"Kerrion Empire - 03 - Earth Dreams" - читать интересную книгу автора (Morris Janet E)

enough to execute any promise you manage to draw out
of me. So for my sake, will you please stop trying? All
you are doing is reminding me of how powerless I really
am."

Rate, turned over, belly-down upon the grass. "The
space-enders think Softa Spry died for them; they've a
charming little cult started, preaching judgment and re-
birth upon his return ... or resurrection, or whatever
they think's going to happen."

"What else have they to hope for? If a martyr makes
them comfortable, holding out hope of spiritual immor-
tality when genetic immortality by offspring is denied
them, what harm is there in that? Remember, they're all
mules, by Consortium edict."

Penrose blinked fiercely, then whispered, "You know,
there are two betting pools in the Kerrion arm of the
pilotry guild, right now. One is for how long it will be
before your brotherЧeverybody's calling him 'Mad Mar-
ada'Чmakes a covert end to you in good Kerrion fash-
ion, and the other of how much longer the house of
Kerrion is going to stand."

"I hope you make wise wagers."

"What would those be?" RP, sitting up, gave back his
employer's stare in kind.

"Whatever your heart tells you, I'm sure."

"My heart tells me you need help on the order of di-
vine intervention. I'm no close friend of the Lords of
Cosmic Jest."

"Ah, but I am well acquainted with them. Don't
worry, Raphael, I have matters firmly in hand here."

"You say that, but you look terrible. You've aged five
years in the eight weeks I've been gone."

"Wonderful; thanks. Will you lighten up, or say what
you are trying so desperately not to say?"

"Sponge take you, then: your mother's guilt in the
matter of Softa Spry's death was attested by a cruiserЧ

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