"David Wingrove & Rand Miller - Myst 01 - The Book of Ti'ana" - читать интересную книгу автора (Wingrove David)

years specializing in stress mechanics."

Aitrus stared at Jerahl a moment, then shook his head. "I did not know."

"Nor were you expected to. As long as you enjoy the meals I cook, I am
content."

"Of that I've no complaints."

"Then good. Go on through. I shall bring you something in a while."

Aitrus walked on, past the bathing quarters and the sample store, and on
into
the tail of the craft. Here the corridor ended with a solid metal door that
was
always kept closed. Aitrus reached up and pulled down the release handle.
At
once the door hissed open. He stepped through, then heard it hiss shut
behind
him.

A single light burned on the wall facing him. In its half-light he could see
the
work surface that ran flush with the curved walls at waist height, forming
an
arrowhead. Above and below it, countless tiny cupboards held the equipment
and
chemicals they used for analysis.

Aitrus went across and, putting his notebook down on the worktop,
quickly
selected what he would need from various cupboards.

This was his favorite-place in the ship. Here he could forget all else
and
immerse himself in the pure, unalloyed joy of discovery.

Aitrus reached up, flicking his fingernail against the firemarble in the bowl
of
the lamp, then, in the burgeoning glow, opened his notebook to the page he
had
been working

* * *

"Aitrus?"

Aitrus took his eye from the lens and turned, surprised he had not heard
the
hiss of the door. Jerahl was standing there, holding out a plate to him.