"L. E. Modesitt - The Forever Hero 2 -The Silent Warrior" - читать интересную книгу автора (Modesitt L E)

"We undertake to solve the problem, either within or without the solution suggested,
subject to the Emperor's personal review."

"Which means?" asked the admiral again.

"It means, Admiral, that I will not undertake an ill advised removal action surely geared
to cause severe casualties to both Eye section and the Service, as well as public relations and
public opinion reversals of the first order, just to soothe the wounded pride of the High Command.
Because you feel so strongly, however, I will take action to insure that the Emperor is protected.
If my decision is incorrect, I will be removed. Removed, not replaced."

Eye nodded to the figures who flanked him. The admiral's eyes widened, trying to focus on
all three figures simultaneously, on the way the two at Eye's sides lifted their robed hands, with
the strange devices.

"No--"

The admiral could feel the sudden constriction in his chest, feel the alternative waves of
red and black washing up over him.

"Get him back to his office, and call a medical tech. I believe the admiral is suffering a
massive heart seizure, poor man."

Clause five. That was the admiral's last thought.

Clause five.

II

There was in those times a prophet, and when the people asked his name, he answered not, saying
instead, what I do should be remembered, for in deeds there is truth, and that truth should be
remembered and live, even as men die.

A man from Denv asked the prophet this question.

If a mountain is called a mountain, men call that a fact, for the mountain is, and they
can see it is. Likewise a wilderness. Likewise the stars. But when a man calls his deeds truth,
are they?

When he calls a mountain the ocean, all can tell he is mistaken. But when he calls himself
a prophet, or allows others to call him a prophet, no man can prove or disprove his naming.

Should the prophet walk on water and heal the sick and raise the dead, no one can say
whether he is prophet or no, whether he is sent by the angels or the devils, or whether he is
master or slave.

Goodness may be done by the evil to ensnare the unwary, and evil by the good to test the
worthiness of the people. So by what measure can any person weigh the truth of another's deeds?