"Norton, Andre - Galactic Derelict" - читать интересную книгу автора (Norton Andre)

"Clear the fieldl" called someone from the flare line. "Setting down."
They plunged out of the path of the fifth 'copter and work started again. The Major, Travis noted, was
right in line with the others when it came to tossing boxes around, nor was there any more time for
talking.
Seven or eight loads, which was it? Travis tried to count them up, wriggling stiff fingers. It was still
night but the flares had been extinguished. The men who had worked to-gether now sat around the fire
drinking coffee and wolfing sandwiches which had been delivered with the last cargo. They did not talk
much and Travis knew they were as tired as he ╖was.
"Bedtime, brother. And am I glad to hit the sack!" Ross said between yawns. "Need the
makings--blankets--anything?"
Half stupid ╖with fatigue, Travis shook his head. "Got my bedroll with m'saddle." And he was asleep
almost before he was fully stretched out on that limited comfort.
In the day light of morning the camp looked disorganized.

23

GALACTIC DERELICT

But men were already at work sorting out the material, work-ing as if this was a task they had often
done before. Travis, helping to shift a large crate, looked up to see the Major.
"Spare me a moment, Fox." He led the way from the scene of activity.
"You've got yourself--and us--in a muddle, young man. Frankly, we can't turn you loose--for your
own sake, as well as ours. This project has to be kept under wraps and there are some very tough boys
who would like to pick you up and learn what they could from you. So, we either take you all the way
in--or put you on ice. It's up to you which it is going to be. You've been vouched for by Doctor
Morgan."
Travis tensed. What had they raked up now? Memories pinched as might a too-tight cinch about the
belly. But if they'd been asking questions of Prentiss Morgan, they must know what happened last
year--and why. Apparently they did, for Kelgarries continued:
"Fox, the time when anyone can afford prejudices is past-way past. I know about Hewitt's offer to the
University and what happened when he pressured to have you fired from the expedition staff. But
prejudices can stretch both ways--you didn't stand up to him very long, did you?"
Travis shrugged. "Maybe you've heard the term 'second-class citizen,' Major. How do you suppose
Indians rate with some people in this country? To that crowd we are and well always be dirt}', ignorant
savages. You can't fight when the other fellow has all the weapons himself. Hewitt gave that grant to
the University to do some important work. When he wanted me off, that was that. If I'd let Doctor
Morgan fight to keep me on his staff, Hewitt would have snatched his check away again so fast the
friction would have burnt the paper. I know Hewitt and what makes him tick. And Doctor Morgan's
work was more important--" Travis stopped short. Why in the world had he told the Major all that? It
was

GALACTIC DERELICT

none of Kelgarries' business why he had quit and come back to the ranch.
"There aren't many like Hewitt left--fortunately. And I assure you we do not follow his methods. If
you choose to join us after Ashe briefs you, you're one of a team. Lord, man" --the Major slapped his

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