"Arcady And Boris Strugatsky. Prisoners of Power" - читать интересную книгу автораradiation emitters. Is that true?"
"It is." "So you could swim across the Blue Snake River at any time and you wouldn't be harmed?" "I've already told you that I could escape right now if I wanted to." "We don't want you to escape. So, as I understand it, the patrol cars don't bother you either?" "You mean the mobile emitters? No, they don't bother me." "Very good," said Vepr. "Then your assignment for the present is completely settled. You'll be our messenger. When I give the order, you'll swim across the river and send telegrams from the nearest telegraph office. Is that clear?" "Yes, that much is clear, but something else isn't." Vepr 1ооkеd at Mac without blinking. This aloof, sinewy, crippled old man was a cold and merciless soldier, a fighter since birth, a terrifying and intriguing product of a world where human life was worthless; he knew nothing but struggle, had experienced only struggle, pushed aside everything but struggle. In his attentive narrowed eyes Maxim read his own fate. "Yes?" said Vepr. "Let's settle this right now," said Maxim firmly. "I don't want to act blindly. I don't intend to get involved in operations that I feel are foolish and unnecessary." "For example?" "I know the meaning of discipline. And I know that without it our work is useless. But I feel that discipline should be rational, that a a messenger, and I'm prepared to be one. I can perform more demanding tasks, but, if necessary, I'll be a messenger. But I must know that the telegrams I send out will not result in senseless deaths." Zef started to interrupt, but Vepr and Maxim gestured to him to wait. "I was ordered to blow up the tower," continued Maxim. "I was not told why it was necessary. I saw that it was a foolish and deadly plan, but I carried out the order. I lost three comrades, and then it turned out that the whole operation was a trap set by government provocateurs. Well, I'm telling you right now that I've had enough of that kind of stuff. I refuse to blow up any more towers! And I'll do everything in my power to block similar plans." "Well, you are a damned fool!" said Zef. "A pantywaist." "Why do you call me that?" "Hold on, Zef," said Vepr, his eyes still riveted on Maxim. "In other words, Mac, you want to know all the staff's plans?" "Right. I don't want to work blindly." "You're downright insolent," declared Zef. "Just too damned insolent! Listen, Vepr, I still like him. And I know - I've got a good eye for the right material." "You're demanding far too much trust from us," said Vepr coldly. "That kind of trust must be earned." "And for that, I suppose I'll be expected to knock over those idiot towers? True, I've been in the underground only a few months, but I've heard only one thing all this time: towers, towers, towers. I don't want to topple |
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