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

"There's a party."

"If I want a party, I'll throw my own."

"This is important, Van, for you and for the program. Government people will be
there. They're interested in meeting you."

"I'm not interested in meeting them."

"Please, Van. It's really important." When he did not respond, Jemma went on,
"Other people will be there, too. You'll enjoy it. And after that you'll be on
leave. No more interruptions."

The formal attire of this time was simple in cut and subdued in color. In full
dress uniform, Vanderhorst was the instantaneous center of attention when he,
Jemma, and Korry entered.

"That's Senator Dalton. She's Chairman of the Space Ops Committee," Korry said.

Vanderhorst followed Korry's sightline and saw a tall, slim woman with silver
hair standing with a younger man and a woman. As soon as Dalton noticed them she
raised a hand in greeting. Korry steered Vanderhorst toward the threesome.

"It's good of you to come, Captain Vanderhorst," Dalton said. "This is Doree and
Jake Fosset. Jake is my senior advisor. I must say, we're all proud of the
rimrunners. You're brave people doing a hard, lonely job."

"We're paid for it."

"There's more to it than the pay, Captain. I'm sure of that."

"I think mostly about the pay," Vanderhorst said, edging around so that his back
was to the window. He glanced at Korry, who appeared ready to burst into tears.
Jemma forced a smile.

Dalton said, "You're an honest man, Captain. Whatever POP offered, you'd never
get me to circle the solar system for a twenty-year hitch."

"It doesn't feel like twenty. Doesn't feel like much of anything, to tell the
truth."

"You spend most of your time sleeping, isn't that right? There are people who
accuse us in Washington of doing much the same."
"I get my rest, Senator."

"From what I've read, you were born a century ago. You certainly don't look a
century old."

Vanderhorst emptied his glass. "I may in the morning."