"Eric Frank Russell - The Witness" - читать интересную книгу автора (Russell Eric Frank)

"Indubitably!"
"You have had many weeks in which to study the mind of this unwanted invader.
Just how intelligent would you say it is?"
"As much so as we are, though in a different way."
"Do you consider this sample to be fairly representative of its race?"
"I have no reason to suppose otherwise."
"Which race, therefore, equals us in brain-power?"
"Very probably." Professor Allain rubbed his chin and mused a moment. "Yes,
insofar as one can relate things which are not the same, I'd say they are our
intellectual equals."
"Perhaps our superiors, not only in brains, but also in numbers?"
"I don't know. I doubt it."
"The possibility cannot be ruled out?" persisted Mr. Prose-cutor.
"Such data as is available is far from sufficient and therefore IтАФ"
"Do not evade my question. There is a possibility, no matter how remote, that the
life-form represented by this mon-ster now standing before us is the direst menace
humanity has ever been called upon to face?"
"Anything can be construed as a menace if you insist, butтАФ"
"A menace, yes or no?"
The middle judge interjected profoundly, "Witness cannot be required to provide
a positive answer to a hypothetical question."
Not fazed in the least, Mr. Prosecutor bowed. "Very well, Your Honor, I will put
it differently." He resumed with Allain. "In your expert estimation, is the intelligence
quotient of this life-form high enough to enable it to conquer, subdue and enslave
humanity if it so desired?"
"I do not know."
"That is your only answer?"
 "I'm afraid so."
"It is quite satisfactory," commented Mr. Prosecutor, throwing a significant look
through the cameras at the un-seen but billion-strong jury. "inasmuch as it admits the
possi-bility of peril, extreme peril. "
"I did not say that," protested Allain.
"Neither have you said the contrary," retorted the other. He seated himself,
confident and pleased. "Your witness."
Mr. Defender began heavily, "Professor Allain, have your various hand-outs
concerning the defendant been reported factually?"
"Without exception, they have been grossly distorted," said
Allain, grimly. He cast a cold look at the big group of report-ers who grinned back
arrogantly.
"Defendant has repeatedly been described as a spy who must "receive drastic
treatment lest worse befall. Does your data support that theory?"
"No."
"What status do you assign to the defendant?"
"A refugee," said Allain.
"It is impossible for the defendant's motives to be hostile?"
"Nothing is impossible," said Professor Allain, honest though the heavens fall.
"The smartest of us can be fooled. But I don't think I am fooled. That is my opinion,
for what it is worth."
Mr. Defender sighed, "As I have been reminded, opinions are not evidence." He
sat down murmuring, "Most unfortu-nate! Most unfortunate!"