"Jack Vance - The Houses of Iszm" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

application. The clerk dropped the debarkation slip into a macerator,
inspected and returned the certificate and bond, and then settled himself
to a study of the application.

The Iszic eye, split into major and minor segments, is capable of double
focus. The clerk read with the lower fraction of his eyes, appraising Farr
with the top section.

" 'OccupationтАж' " he turned both segments of his eyes on Farr, then
flicking the bottom one back, read on in a cool monotone. " 'тАж research
associate. Place of businessтАФUniversity of Los Angeles, Department of
Botany.' " He lay the application form to one side. "May I inquire your
motives for visiting Iszm?"

Fair's patience was wearing thin. He pointed to the application. "I've
written it all down."

The clerk read without taking his eyes from Farr, who watched in
fascination, marveling at the feat.

" 'I am on sabbatical leave,' " read the clerk. " 'I am visiting a number of
worlds where plants contribute effectively to the welfare of man.' " The
clerk focused both eye fractions on Farr. "Why do you trouble yourself to
this extent? Surely the information is conveniently available on Earth?"

"I am interested in first-hand observations."

"To what purpose?"

Farr shrugged. "Professional curiosity."
 "I expect that you are acquainted with our laws."

"How could I avoid it?" said Farr in irritation. "I've been briefed ever
since the ship left Starholme."

"You understand that you will be allowed no special privilegesтАФno
exhaustive or analytical studyтАж You understand?"

"Of course."

"Our regulations are stringentтАФI must emphasize this. Many visitors
forget, and involve themselves with severe penalties."

"By now," said Farr, "I know your laws better than I know my own."

"It is illegal to lift, detach, cut, accept, secrete or remove any vegetable
matter, vegetable fragment, seed, seedling, sapling or tree, no matter
where you find it."

"I intend nothing illegal."