"Kim Newman - Tomorrow Town" - читать интересную книгу автора (Newman Kim)

The swathe went over the right shoulder in a toga arrangement, passing under
an epaulette, clipping on in a couple of places, and falling like a
waist-length cape.

She had also found a pad of controls in the left epaulette, which activated
drawstrings and pleats that adjusted the garment to suit individual body type.
They both had to fiddle to get the suits to cope with their above-average
height, then loosen and tighten various sections as required. Even after every
possible button had been twisted every possible way, Richard wore one sleeve
tight as sausage skin while the other was loose and wrinkled as a burst
balloon.

"Maybe it's a futopian fashion," suggested Vanessa, whoтАФof courseтАФlooked
spectacular, shown off to advantage by the modesty strips. "All the dashing
zenvols are wearing the one-loose-one-tight look this new century."

"Or maybe it's just aggravated crackpottery."

She laughed.

The monorail judged they had used up their changing time, and lurched off
again.




┬╖┬╖┬╖┬╖┬╖


The receiving area was as white and clean as a bathroom display at the Belgian
Ideal Home Exhibition. A deputation of zenvols, all dressed alike, none with
mismatched sleeves, waited on the platform. Synthesised Bach played gently and
the artificial breeze was mildly perfumed.
"Mm Richard, Ms Vanessa," said a white-haired zenvol, "welcome to Tomorrow
Town."

A short Oriental girl repeated his words in sign language.

"Are you Georgie Gewell?" Richard asked.

"Jor-G," said the zenvol, then spelled it out.

"My condolences," Richard said, shaking the man's hand. Through two squeaking
layers of latex, he had the impression of sweaty palm. "I understand you and
Varno Zhoule were old friends."

"Var-Z is a tragic loss. A great visioneer."
The Oriental girl mimed sadness. Other zenvols hung their heads.

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" segued into the "Dead March" from Saul. Was the