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

I will move the entire one hundred forty thousand inhabi-
tants di the Stump over there. Then, for the first time in
six months, I will be able to get a good night's sleep."

"And the Stump?" Shebat, born of Earth, murmured,
her eyes on the pocket-scrambler, indicative of Chaeron's
need to preclude any penetration of their security,
though they spoke together under tons of ridge.

"The Stump? My tugs will tow it out of orbit, aim it
straight at the sun. You cannot imagine how much I de-
test that platform. It is more corrupt than antiquated,
more contemptible than outmoded. I have got to sepa-
rate these Orrefors personnel whom I have inherited
from those reminders of their past which define them. I
did not expect them to become instantly Kerrions, simply
by proclamation, and they have not disappointed me. Do
you understand? Things are very precarious here."

She merely stared at him, owl-eyed.

"I must confess that I am wondering whether you are
here, as you say, for love of your peopleЧand of course,
of my inimitable personЧ"Чhe bowed where he sat, a
wry caricature of his courtly Kerrion selfЧ"or because by
the letter of our long-standing agreement you are ready
to claim this world as your personal property. Although
technically you are entitledЧ"

"Chaeron, I am here because I wish to be here. To
help, nothing more. I signed every release that crossed
my desk while I was acting Draconis consul: if you bank-
rupt us both, it will be in a good cause. And we will still

4

JANET MORRIS

have all which our eyes can now survey. Do not think
that I would turn upon you." Her piquant, heart-shaped
face was somber. "1 will gladly give you everything I
have, or ever will have, except the title to my cruiser.
This one thing, never ask of me. Short of it, I wish only
to stay here with you and build what you are building. I
told youЧit is what I have wanted for us ever since your
half brother spirited me off among the stars."

He laughed then, and something invisible in him
eased. "I will never, ever, ask you for the Marada." Did
the slightest shiver course his flesh at the mention of that