"James Rollins - Subterranean" - читать интересную книгу автора (Romeyn Henry)

Jason turned to her, his jaw hanging open. "It's the beginning of summer, Mom!"

"It's only a couple hours each day. While I'm gone, I want you to put this time to use. There's a library
on the base. I want you to check out two books while I'm gone and write a book report on each."

His looked aghast, his eyes wide. "Some summer!"

"It'll be fun. Roland will be"тАФshe dare not say 'baby-sitting,' or Jason would never forgive
herтАФ"watching you. He'll be staying here while I'm gone. I expect you to mind him."

He scrunched up his face, irate.

"If you mind your manners and do your homework . . .without sulking . . . there are some surprises in
store for you."

"Yeah," he said, his voice thick with skepticism. "Like what?"

"First, I found a martial arts expert on the base who can continue your lessons here. If you want to get
your yellow belt by year's end, you're gonna need to practice while I'm gone."

The black cloud over his face lifted just a bit.

"Plus, they have electric bikes and Jet Skis to ride."

Jason grimaced. "Why electric?"

"To help protect the ecosystem they limit the number of combustion engines down here. It's the military's
small contribution to cavern preservation." Ashley remembered Ben's scowl as they traveled across the
base, grumbling the entire way about the blatant abuse of the fragile ecology. Still, Jason's pout drew
back her attention. She brushed some loose strands of hair away from her face. "But, Jason, that's not all
they have planned. There's also fishing, basketball, you name it. Plenty to keep you entertained while I'm
gone.And if you do well with your studies, Dr. Blakely has promised you can join him in the control room
and help monitor our progress. You'll even be able to talk to me."

"Well, I guess that's okay," Jason said, still pouting a bit.

"Finally," she said, pointing back into the main room of the suite, "they have cable. A hundred and fifty
channels, all decoded."

"Wow, I gotta check that out."

She caught him by the sleeve as he barreled past her. "Whoa, there, sonny. First, we have dinner in a
half hour. Go get yourself cleaned up."

"Geez, Mom. Can't a guy have a little fun?" He stomped toward the bathroom.

She grinned. Just like home. Only two miles below the bottom of the earth's surface.

***