"Gene Wolfe - Talk of Mandrakes" - читать интересную книгу автора (Wolfe Gene)

"This Selim," the owner said as they pulled into traffic, "he was one of them?"

"The only xbiologist they had. They didn't really expect to find life."

"You can turn off your breather," the owner said. "My car's got ox."

"Thanks." Peak closed the valve. "Nice of you."

"Ram Boardman," the owner said. He took a hand from the wheel.

Peak shook it. "Mike Peak."

The wheel motors hummed as they whizzed past the stalled millions headed
toward the city. It took twenty minutes to get to the wire; after that it was all clear.
Tracking guns picked them up, and the owner slowed as he murmured, "Request
egress," into the dash fone.

"Denied eight one seven H eight one JQ. Special circumstances?"

"We have special circumstances. Gov hicomf. John Michael Peak."

"Yes, sir. Park space one-oh-eight, sir."

The owner grinned at Peak. Peak grinned back.

The officer who showed Peak in wore cermet armor and carried a gun, but his
expression was deferential behind his visor. He saluted when Peak showed his pass,
and waved him through.

Doctor Selim joined him in the lobby half an hour later and actually said, "It's
good of you to come, Doctor Peak."

"The greatest privilege of my life, sir."

"And good of you to say so. Get out this way much?"

"You can't." Peak shook his head. "Not without a pass."

"So they tell me." Selim sighed. He was middle-aged, short, slight, and dark.
"Got it now? I want to show you my lab."
 A new guard touched a button, and a light labeled SEC CHECK flashed
green. The wall said, "Pleased to see you, Doctor Selim. Is this man with you?"

"Yes, he is."

A second light shone, this one marked VOC CHECK. The wall opened along
an invisible seam. When it had closed behind them, Peak said, "I suppose we're still
being monitored for our own safety, sir?"