"E. E. Doc Smith - D' Alembert 9 - The Omicron Invasion" - читать интересную книгу автора (Smith E. E. Doc)

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The Omicron Invasion
Volume 9 in The Family d'Alembert Series




by E. E. "DOC" SMITH
WITH STEPHEN GOLDIN



Panther Books

Copyright ┬й Verna Smith Trestrail 1984




Dedicated to the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society, Inc.

and, in particular, to Alexis Walser and Alan TrimpiтАФ

for sharing their space for a while

-S.G.




CHAPTER 1

Omicron
 With nearly fourteen hundred planets in the Empire of Earth, each world either had to strive to
attain its own distinct character or end up as an anonymous statistic in galactic society. Some worlds, by
their physical nature, had it easier than others; they could claim to be hotter or colder, wetter or drier,
bigger or smaller than other planets. They could have unusual configurations of moons, heavier or lighter
gravity, variable or multiple suns, or even be surrounded by ring systems of moonlets. They could become
noted for some strange native plant or animal, or for some natural resource or bizarre topographical
feature. Such worlds had their reputations already established; you merely had to mention their names and
even schoolchildren could tell you something about them. Names like DesPlaines, Gastonia, or Floreata
conjured instant images in people's minds.

Other worlds were noted more for their cultures than for their physical attributes. During the great
exodus from Earth in the twenty-first century, many separate cultures were established so their inhabitants
could be free to pursue the lifestyles they preferred. Some planets were settled by religious fanatics; Purity