"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 15 - Spectrum of a Forgotten Sun" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

to be manipulated as if it were a stuffed toy."

Dumarest stepped over a low pile of rubble. "Why don't you like
mercenaries?"

"Isn't it obvious? They come and fight their stupid war and then make
out they have done their employers a favor."

"And haven't they?" He smiled as he halted and turned to face her; a
man taking a walk with an attractive woman, a couple engaged in idle
conversation. In the darkness eyes could be anywhere. "Think of the
alternative. Without mercenaries you'd need to train and equip your own
forces with all the expense that entails. Those who died would be close;
sons, fathers, brothers, sisters even. And those engaged in civil war tend
to ignore restraints and so increase the destruction. All the employers of
mercenary bands really lose is money. It is strangers who do the dying."

"Not strangers to each other, Earl," she said pointedly, "Comrades. Is
it easy to kill a friend?"

He said harshly, "We came out here to talk. Two men have been
following us but they are well out of earshot You know them?"

"No, but they are probably watching to make sure you do not escape."
Her hand rested lightly on his arm. "You were clever to spot them, Earl.
Now, shall we talk?"

They found a tavern, a small place busy with uniformed men, off-duty
mercenaries returning to the economy some of the money they had been
paid. The sound of their voices and laughter was a susurrating din
against which no eavesdropper would stand a chance. A female dancer
writhed to the music of drums and pipes, cymbals clashing on fingers,
knees, wrists and ankles. An indifferent performer, but she was scantily
clad and that alone was enough to please the watchers.

"Flesh," said Dephine. Her voice held disdain. "Why do men hold it in
such high regard? A body, a few wisps of fabric, a little movement and
they roar their pleasure. Well, that is one harlot who will do well
tonight."

"You condemn her?"

"No, but the men who will pay for her dubious pleasures тАФsurely they
must know how she regards them?"

"They have fought," said Dumarest. "Some of them have killed and all
have risked their lives. Every coin has two faces, my lady. And death must
be matched with life."

"So the urge to destroy is accompanied by the urge to create?" She