"Тед Чан. Seventy-Two Letters (72 буквы, Рассказ) (англ.)" - читать интересную книгу автора

"As if such persons exist," said Willoughby scornfully. "You should
know that I recommended that our trade-union launch a strike against Coade
in protest."
"Surely youТre not serious." It had been decades since the last strike
launched by the sculptors, and that one had ended in rioting.

"I am. Were the matter put to a vote of the membership, IТm certain it
would pass: other sculptors with whom IТve discussed your work agree with
me about the threat it poses. However, the union leadership will not put
it to a vote."
"Ah, so they disagreed with your assessment."
Here Willoughby frowned. "Apparently the Royal Society intervened on
your behalf and persuaded the Brotherhood to refrain for the time being.
YouТve found yourself some powerful supporters, Mr.
Stratton."
Uncomfortably, Stratton replied, "The Royal Society considers my
research worthwhile."
"Perhaps, but do not believe that this matter is ended."
"Your animosity is unwarranted, I tell you," Stratton insisted.
"Once you have seen how sculptors can use these automata, you will
realize that there is no threat to your profession."
Willoughby merely glowered in response and left.
The next time he saw Lord Fieldhurst, Stratton asked him about the
Royal SocietyТs involvement. They were in FieldhurstТs study, and the earl
was pouring himself a whiskey.
"Ah yes," he said. "While the Brotherhood of Sculptors as a whole is
quite formidable, it is composed of individuals who individually are more
amenable to persuasion."
"What manner of persuasion?"
"The Royal Society is aware that members of the trade- unionТs
leadership were party to an as-yet unresolved case of name piracy to the
Continent. To avoid any scandal, theyТve agreed to postpone any decision
about strikes until after youТve given a demonstration of your system of
manufacturing."
"IТm grateful for your assistance, Lord Fieldhurst," said Stratton,
astonished. "I must admit, I had no idea that the Royal Society employed
such tactics."
"Obviously, these are not proper topics for discussion at the general
sessions." Lord Fieldhurst smiled in an avuncular manner.
"The advancement of Science is not always a straightforward affair, Mr.
Stratton, and the Royal Society is sometimes required to use both official
and unofficial channels."
"IТm beginning to appreciate that."
"Similarly, although the Brotherhood of Sculptors wonТt initiate a
formal strike, they might employ more indirect tactics; for example, the
anonymous distribution of pamphlets that arouse public opposition to your
automata." He sipped at his whiskey. "Hmm.
Perhaps I should have someone keep a watchful eye on Master Willoughby."