"E. E. Doc Smith - D' Alembert 5 -Appointment at Bloodstar" - читать интересную книгу автора (Smith E. E. Doc)

The three spectators watched anxiously on their trivision monitors as Pias Bavol began
his ordeal. Each of the three had undergone this on his own, and knew exactly how
harrowing it could be. There was no passing or failing mark on the thousand-point test,
particularly this final section. Pias Bavol had already done well enough on the written
and aptitude tests to qualify for a good job with the Service. This test, though, would be
crucial to his ultimate placement. If he ranked low in field skills, he would be assigned to
some less demanding job in administration. Only the select few who could handle
themselves well under such arduous conditions could be allowed to undertake field
assignments that might put their lives in peril.

Helena laid a hand gently on Yvette's shoulder. "I hope he makes it," she said. "I know
you'd like to have him working with you in the field rather than staying at a desk job
while you go out on assignments."

Yvette nodded. "He'll be smooth, I'm sure. Anyone who could get to Sanctuary and do
everything he did without any formal training at all just has to be a natural-born field


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agent." But her words projected more confidence than she actually felt.

"In a way, I almost hope he doesn't make it," Jules said softly.

His sister turned to look at him aghast. "Julie, what a rotten thing to say! Are you
jealous?"

Jules smiled at her, defusing her powder keg. "Damned right I am. You and I are the
best team going, and I hate the thought of splitting it up."

"You mean to tell me you object to teaming up with Vonnie?" Yvette countered.

A dopey grin appeared on Jules's face at the mere thought of his fiancee, Yvonne
Roumenier. "Well, I must admit there will be certain compensations......

Yvette gave him a triumphant snort. "I thought as much. But you'd better watch out.
Whenever you're with her you keep stumbling over your own feet because you can't
look at anything else. Some team you'll make."

Helena interrupted to bring an end to this good-natured sibling banter. "It's starting," she
said simply. Jules and Yvette turned their attention back to the screens. They watched
as Pias Bavol survived his first encounter with the spotlight in the darkened room and
then made his way rapidly down the long, treacherous corridor. "Good!" Yvette called
out at one point. "I knew he'd spot that electrified plate. He's going to make it, Julie, he's
going to make it."

Jules nodded slowly. There'd never been any doubt in his mind about Pias's abilities.