"The Sails Of Tau Ceti" - читать интересную книгу автора (McCollum Michael)

cardboard soaked in dog urine, and a sensation like having two people sit on
your chest. I enjoyed the trip about as much as the time I spent in traction
when I broke my leg.Ф
УSorry to hear that. It might not have harmed anything to allow you to travel on
the Earth liner, but things are beginning to boil here. The subminister thought
it important for you to be in on planning from the very beginning.Ф
УPlanning for what, sir?Ф
УYouТll learn that from the subminister himself. Do you need to collect any
luggage?Ф
Van Zandt held out the small kit bag he carried. УThis is all I had time to
pack.Ф
УWeТll authorize a drawing account for you at the Bank of Mars. Take time
tomorrow to properly outfit yourself.Ф
Van Zandt chuckled. УIТve heard about discretionary expense accounts, but I
never expected the use of one myself.Ф
УThe stories are grossly exaggerated, and the expense is trivial when you
consider the good it will do. Remember that you represent Earth. The people you
will be dealing with have little cause to love us, Captain. It is important that
you make a good impression.Ф
The younger man led the way to a car that sent them arching high above Olympus
Mons before the guide tube descended into one of the kilometer-high pressure
domes in the new section of the city. The car deposited them inside the lobby of
a luxury hotel. Like all structures beneath the dome, the lobby lacked a roof.
УI trust this establishment meets with your approval,Ф Tallen said.
УIt almost makes up for the journey,Ф Van Zandt replied, gazing across an
opulent space where polished fused silica glittered everywhere. The lobby was
almost as large as a spatball field.
УGood. LetТs get you registered and down to the lower levels.Ф
The ritual of hotel registration had not changed appreciably in half a thousand
years. With one thing and another, it took fifteen minutes before Tallen ushered
Van Zandt into the subministerТs suite of rooms. Praesert Sadibayan had been
working at his computer workstation. He strode to greet his visitors.
УCaptain Van Zandt? Subminister Sadibayan of the Ministry for Science. Good of
you to come so quickly.Ф
УMy admiral said that it was urgent.Ф
УIt is indeed!Ф
Sadibayan returned to his desk and palmed a scanner plate. There was a muted
click from somewhere inside the desk as a drawer popped open. Sadibayan
retrieved a sealed folder marked with various security sigils. He thumbed the
spot that would deactivate the self-destruct mechanism and removed several
computer printouts.
The subminister opened the dossier and began to read: УGarth Martin Van Zandt.
Age: 36. Born: January 9, 2204 in New Aberdeen, South Wales, Australasian
Confederation. Graduated Terrestrial Space Academy, 2226. You ranked in the top
one-third of your class. You have held the usual progression of shore and space
jobs, and have served aboard ships of both the messenger and corvette class. You
were promoted to command the destroyerCurrant fourteen months ago. You are
unmarried, physically healthy, and overdue for leave. Correct?Ф
УOn all counts, Mr. Subminister.Ф
Sadibayan let his brown eyes focus on Van Zandt. УYou may be interested in the