"Gordon R. Dickson - Time to Teleport" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dickson Gordon R)

"Nice job?" echoed Eli, looking up.

"On Tony," said Kurt.

"Oh, that," Eli frowned. "Kurt, you're going to have to watch out on that. I've just spiked this business
temporarily." He checked himself abruptly, and rose with two glasses in his hands, one of which he
handed to Kurt. "I'm getting ahead of myself. Here, take this."

Kurt accepted it, a little unskillfully.

"Well now," said Eli. "Here's to you, Kurt."

"To me?" said Kurt, surprised.

"Yes," said Eli, and took a small drink. "How'd you like to be spokesman for Underseas?"

Kurt grinned. But Eli did not. And gradually Kurt's grin faded. He put his glass down on the edge of the
desk.

"You aren't getting out, Eli?" he said, incredulously.

"That's right," said Eli, cheerfully. "Only I call it retiring."

Kurt's face was a little pale.

"You're joking."

"No, I'm not," said Eli sharply.

"But—" Kurt stumbled. "You must be. Why, youareUnderseas, Eli. The only reason our coalition groups
stick with us is because of you."

"That's nonsense," said Eli, setting his own drink down on the desk. "They stick because of the
advantages of being combined with us."

"But I couldn't ever handle them!" burst out Kurt in desperation.

"How do you know until you've tried?" asked Eli. "Besides, if you want, it won't have to be more than
temporary—until the Domes appoint someone officially to replace me. I think they'd give it to you
without a question if you wanted it. But if you don't, they'll be able to find someone else." He looked at
the stunned underspokesman with sympathy. "But you don't know until you've tried whether you'll want it
or not."

"But you, Eli," said Kurt, looking up at him. "I can't understand whyyouwant to get out!"

Eli sighed gustily, and the bitter lines in his face sharpened momentarily.

"I suppose you thought the spokesmanship was something I wanted," he said.
"But, my God, Eli," protested Kurt stupidly. "You went after it like a house afire. No one knew you eight