"Davis, Jerry - Justification" - читать интересную книгу автора (Davis Jerry)

a bench in front of the elevators for a while, mentally preparing
himself for the interview. Almost five years ago Lagrange 5 Corp.
had suggested he take up teaching --- he only hoped that it wasn't
too late. By teaching the young, he could easily justify his
existence.
His watch beeped and said, "You'd better hurry up, your
appointment is in five minutes." Dale sighed, said, "Oh, shut up,"
to the watch, and wearily got to his feet. He touched the button
for the elevator and the doors opened. He stepped inside,
announced his destination as the 22nd level, and nearly toppled to
the floor as the elevator swooped upwards toward the top of the
tower.
On the 22nd floor, he managed to find his way to Virginia
Mergle's office, which was a large hardwood door with a sign that
read "PERSONNEL." Beyond was a waiting room with a large
information screen in a corner and seats all around. A computer
voice said, "State your name and business," as soon as he entered.
Dale spoke up in a nervous voice, and the computer acknowledged
him and said, "Miss Mergle will see you in one minute, seventeen
seconds." The information screen showed several different views of
the campus, a scrolling list of job opportunities, and a
documentary on keeping full sized whales in captivity.
When the countdown to his appointment reached zero the door
swung open by itself and the computer announced, "Miss Mergle will
see you now." Dale stepped into the inner office and saw a
smooth-skinned black haired woman reclining in a chair behind a
huge desk. Her eyes were closed, and eight data cables trailed
from her head like an octopus's tentacles. "Come in, Mr. Bently,"
she said without opening her eyes. Her voice had an unpleasant,
too-relaxed quality about it. Despite her clear enunciation, it
sounded like she was talking in her sleep. "Please, sit down and
relax."
Dale sat but he didn't relax. "I'm here about a job teaching
zero-gravity engineering."
"We have an opening," Virginia said in her sleep-voice.
"What are your qualifications?"
"I have a degree in zero-gravity and low gravity engineering
from the Tuleburg Institute of Technology, and ten years of
practical experience with L5 Corp."
"Yes," she said, her eyes still closed. "I am reviewing your
records now."
Dale swallowed, his throat dry. Silent seconds passed while
data streamed in and out of the woman's brain. She breathed
slowly, her breasts heaving up and down with dream-like calm.
"You have no teaching credentials," she said finally.
"I have practical experience, things that----"
"You have no teaching experience, either. I'm sorry, but I
can't give you any teaching position at all without a degree. I am
searching for other employment possibilities now."
Again, Dale found himself waiting silently and watching the