"Jack Vance - Marune v1.0" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

The doctor, both intrigued and bemused, uttered an uneasy half-embarrassed
laugh. "Since you can't remember the circumstances, you aren't in a position
to judge."

"I suppose that's true . . . Could something be wrong with my brain?"

"You mean physical damage? Do you have headaches or head pains? Any
sensation of numbness or pressure?"

"No."

"Well, it's hardly likely a tumor would cause general amnesia in any event .
. . Let me check my references . . ." He read for a few moments. "I could
try hypnotherapy or shock. Candidly, I don't think I'd do you any Amnesia
generally cures itself if left alone."

"I don't think I can cure myself. Something lies on my brain like a blanket.
It suffocates me. I can't tear it loose. Can't you help me?"

There was a simplicity to Pardero's manner which appealed to the doctor. He
also sensed strangeness: tragedy and drama beyond his conjecture.

"I would help you if I could," said the doctor. "With all my soul I would
help you. But I wouldn't know what I should be doing. I'm not qualified to
experiment on you."

"The police officer told me to go to the Connatic's Hospital on Numenes."

"Yes, of course. This is best for you; I was about to suggest it myself."

"Where is Numenes? How do I go there?"

"You must go by starship. The fare is a little over two hundred ozols. That
is what I have been told. You earn three and a half ozols a day - more if
you exceed your quota. When you have two hundred and fifty ozols, go to
Numenes. That is my best advice."


(1) Numerous systems of chronometry create confusion across Alastor Cluster
and the Gaean Reach, despite attempts at reform. In any given locality, at
least three systems of reckoning are in daily use: scientific chronometry,
based upon the orbital frequency of the K-state hydrogen electron;
astronomic time - 'Gaean Standard Time' - which provides synchronism across
the human universe; and local time.



Chapter 2