"Arcady And Boris Strugatsky. Prisoners of Power" - читать интересную книгу автора "I bought his practice."
"Why aren't you in practice now?" "I sold my equipment." "Why?" "Financial problems." "What's your relationship to Ordi Tader?" "She's my wife." "Any children?" "We had a son." "Where is he?" "I don't know." "What did you do during the war?" "I fought." "Why did you decide to engage in antigovemment activity?" "Because in the history of the World there has never been a more loathsome government," said Ketshef. "Because I loved my wife and child. Because you've killed my friends and corrupted my people. Because I've always hated you. Isn't that enough?" "Enough," said the brigadier calmly. "More than enough. Now tell us how much the Khontis are paying you? Or is it Pandeya?" The man broke into laughter - but it was an oppressive laughter, the laughter of a dead man. "Come off it. Let's put an end to this farce. What good will it do you?" "Are you the leader of this group?" "Who are the members of your organization?" "I don't know." "You're sure?" the civilian asked suddenly. "Yes." "You know, Ketshef," said the civilian gently, "your position is extremely serious. We know everything about your group. We even know something about your group's connections. But whether your name or another's is given out as our source depends completely on you." Ketshef lowered his head and remained silent. "You!" shouted Captain Chachu. "You, an ex-combat officer! Do you understand what they're offering you? Not your life, massaraksh! But your honor!" Ketshef began to laugh again but did not answer. Maxim felt that this man feared nothing. Neither death nor dishonor. He had already endured everything there was to endure and considered himself as good as dead. The brigadier shrugged his shoulders and declared that Gel Ketshef, age fifty, married, a dentist, was sentenced to death in accordance with the law for the protection of public health. Sentence to be carried out within forty-eight hours. Should the condemned agree to give testimony, the sentence could be changed. After Ketshef had been led out, the brigadier, displeased, said to the civilian: "I don't understand you. I think he spoke rather willingly. From your point of view - a regular chatterbox. No, I don't understand." The civilian laughed. "Listen, my friend, you stick to your job and |
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