"Andre Norton - Solar Queen 06 - Derelict For Trade" - читать интересную книгу автора (Norton Andre)

"With, of course, infinite regret," came Ali's irrepressible voice.

The captain slammed his hand down flat on his console. "Let's find
out," he said suddenly. "We're no worse off if it doesn't. Wilcox, bring us
into cable distance. Kosti, make ready the johblocks."

It took less than thirty minutes to bring the Queen up within cable
distance of the strange ship and lay hold of it with the johblocks, whose
atomically smooth gripping surfaces literally melded with any substance,
no matter how obdurateтАФand there were few things more obdurate than a
ship's hull. As Dane expected, the other ship gave the johblocks no trouble,
and it was soon drawn within half a kilometer of the Trader vessel.

When Wilcox finally announced zero relative velocity, Jellico said, "I
want an investigation team, full biohaz suits. Maybe our luck has
changed."


2
Dr. Rael Cofort pulled on the flexible gauntlets of the biohaz suit and
made sure they were fastened securely. Last came the helmet, fitting
snugly over her crown of braided hair. As the helmet locked into place the
suit's air system was automatically initiated, and the soft hiss of antiseptic
air cooled her cheek. A green light flickered holographically, letting her
know the suit com was also alive.

A moment later Rip Shannon's voice came over the com: "Ready,
team?"

"Aye." Four voices, including hers, echoed in her ears.

"Then let's go."

Rip Shannon had been appointed squad leader for the expedition. Rael
could see his dark face inside his helmet, his black eyes characterized by
good humor and the formidable intelligence which marked him out as a
natural leader. Behind him loomed Dane Thorson, the tall cargo
apprentice who looked like the ancient illustrations of his Viking
ancestors. Next to Rael, the short, slight engine tech Jasper Weeks
checked the tools at his belt one last time, then stepped into the lock,
moving with the characteristic high-step shuffle of free fall.

They waited in silence as the air pressure slowly dropped.

"Half air," said Rip. "Suit check."

Rael slapped the diagnostic tab on her chest; after a moment the ready
light flickered to green.

"No leaks," she reported, and was echoed by the others.