"John Morressy - Rimrunners Home" - читать интересную книгу автора (Morressy John)

"Did you get me out?" he asked.

"I spoke to a few people. Are you ready to go up again?"

"Will I be allowed to land on Earth?"

"As long as I have any influence, you've got a home here. I hope you'll make
less trouble next time, though," she said.

"I'll be a hundred and twenty-five when I get back. Maybe I'll be wiser."

"And I'll be eighty-one, as you reminded me. I'll be supporting you, but my
support may not be as effective as it is now. Things could go against you and
the program. You must know that."

Vanderhorst shrugged. "I wouldn't help the cause much if I stayed down. I'm not
a good politician."

Dalton laughed. "That may be the greatest understatement I've ever heard. I
guess we're all better off sticking with what we do best."

Vanderhorst settled into the comfort of the landroller. It left the Assistance
Compound slowly, then dipped and locked into the exurban track and accelerated
to cruising speed. Embankments rose on either side, blocking out the manmade
world. The evening sky unrolled above, unobstructed and undefiled.

He believed that Dalton would keep her word and do her best, but he had no
illusions and to his surprise, felt no concern. A home on Earth might be his by
right, but Dalton's success or failure in assuring it hardly mattered now. There
was no place here for Vanderhorst.

He loved the sight of this world, so bright against the blackness, so much
easier to look at than to live on. On Luna, he could have the view without the
complications. Gravity would be easier, too, and require no adjusting. He might
even meet people he could talk to, and like, and live with in peace. He could be
happy there.

He burst into sudden laughter, and Dalton looked at him curiously.

Grinning, he said, "I was thinking what my father would say if he knew that I
was trusting my future to a politician."

He threw his head back and laughed for pure joy, feeling the tension and anger
of downside drop away like a cast-off garment. The sky was a deeper blue now,
and the first stars were out. Vanderhorst looked up and sighed with
satisfaction. It was good to be heading home.