"David Feintuch - Seafort 6 - Patriarch's Hope" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feintuch David)

jealousies.

I climbed out, under the sullen Devon afternoon sun. A security
joey was waiting, to hover at my arm lest I slip. "Do I look
feeble?" My voice was caustic. Perhaps I feared the answer. "Let
me be. Here, Artene.** I extended a hand.

Ducking through the hatchway, she climbed slowly down toe steps.
"What's wrong, Nicky? You've been cross all day."

"Nothing." My knee ached. "I hate those public ceremonies,** I
forced a smile as Commandant Hazen hurried to greet us. Overhead,
the helis and jets mat constituted my unwieldy protection detail
moved off.

Normally, security accompanied me everywhere, but from my first
administration I'd drawn the line at Academy or the Naval wing at
Earthport. Under no circumstances would I allow Tilnitz and his
eclectic crew to pretend I needed guarding from the United Nations
Naval Service, in which I'd served so memorably. I would wander
the Academy grounds unprotected, except by the Commandant or his
staff. It wasn't, after all, as if Academy were an open campus.

I looked about. A tall iron fence surrounded the compound, meeting


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PART I

itself at the guardhouse gate. As always, mulberry and juniper
abounded, tended by Academy staff and cadets. Above, tall maples
tent then- shade, Devon Academy had once been far from town, bat
shops and pubs had sprung up to serve it Still, our buildings were
set well back from me fence, obscured by the extensive plantings,
which allowed a modicum of privacy,

Artene and I had just escaped the huge reception that followed my
dedication of Galactic, and my cheeks were sore with the aftermath
of my frozen smile. At least, standing about greeting dignitaries,
I'd had time for a few amiable words with Derek Carr, before he
went off to rejoin his Hope Nation trade legation, I'd be seeing
him again in a day or so, at my retreat outside Washington.

"Welcome, Mr. SecGen." Hazen came to attention. Florid, the hint
of a paunch lurking underneath his Naval blues, he still managed
to look distinguished, a few touches of gray gracing his locks.

I rammed his salute. "As you ware." For a moment my heart eased,
Devon was home to me. I frowned. Had been home, before my betrayal
had forfeited all claim to it Hastily, I turned my thoughts