"Jack Vance - The Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

prosecuted and punished. We want an end put to the Kokod wars."

Magnus Ridolph looked off into the distance and for a moment was silent. When at last he spoke, his
voice was grave. "You list your requirements on a descending level of feasibility."

"I don't understand you, Mr. Ridolph."

"Shadow Valley Inn might well be rendered inoperative by means of a bomb or an epidemic of
Mayerheim's Bloat. To punish Holpers and See, we must demonstrate that a nonexistent law has been
criminally violated. And to halt the Kokod wars, it will be necessary to alter the genetic heritage,
glandular makeup, training, instinct, and general outlook on life of each of the countless Kokod warriors."

Mrs. Chickering blinked and stammered; Magnus Ridolph held up a courteous hand. "However, that
which is never attempted never transpires; I will bend my best efforts to your requirements. My fee - well,
in view of the altruistic ends in prospect, I will be modest; a thousand munits a week and expenses.
Payable, if you please, in advance."




Magnus Ridolph left the jetty, mounted Granatee Head by steps cut into the green-veined limestone. On
top, he paused by the wrought-iron balustrade to catch his breath and enjoy the vista over the ocean. Then
he turned and entered the blue lace and silver filigree lobby of the Hotel des Mille-Iles.

Presenting a bland face to the scrutiny of the desk clerk he sauntered into the library, where he selected a
cubicle, settled himself before the mnemiphot. Consulting the index for Kokod, he punched the
appropriate keys.

The screen came to life. Magnus Ridolph inspected first a series of charts which established that Kokod
was an exceedingly small world of high specific gravity.

Next appeared a projection of the surface, accompanied by a slow-moving strip of descriptive matter:


file:///G|/Program%20Files/eMule/Incoming/Ja...20Many%20Worlds%20of%20Magnus%20Ridolph.html (4 of 132) [10/18/2004 3:43:07 PM]
 THE MANY WORLDS OF MAGNUS RIDOLPH by Jack Vance

Although a small world, Kokod's gravity and atmosphere make it uniquely habitable for men. It has never
been settled, due to an already numerous population of autochthones and a lack of valuable minerals.
Tourists are welcomed at Shadow Valley Inn, a resort hotel at Shadow Valley. Weekly packets connect
Shadow Valley Inn with Starport.
Kokod's most interesting feature is its population.

The chart disappeared, to be replaced by a picture entitled, "Typical Kokod Warrior (from Rock River
Tumble)," and displaying a man-like creature two feet tall. The head was narrow and peaked; the torso
was that of a bee - long, pointed, covered with yellow down. Scrawny arms gripped a four-foot lance; a
stone knife hunt at the belt. The chitinous legs were shod with barbs. The creature's expression was mild,
almost reproachful.

A voice said, "You will now hear the voice of Sam 192 Rock River."