"Feintuch,.David.-.Seafort.06.-.Patriarchs.Hope.Txt" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feintuch David)

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 elsewhere. I'd made my peace with my
transgressions years before, or thought I had. Either Lord God would forgive me,
or He would not

As we walked the unchanged footpath to the administration building I scrutinized
the Commandant I'd met but once, at a Rotunda reception. Once, the Navy had been
my entire life, and I wouldn't have dreamed of allowing the Board of Admiralty
to appoint a Commandant I didn't know well. But since the Transpop Rebellion,
I'd been ever more preoccupied with civilian issues, and the nurture of our
economy.

I cleared my throat "You've met Ms. Seafort, I believe?" Arlene, knowing me
well, smoothly took over the conversation while I brooded. A former officer
herself, she knew Academy as well as I.

We strolled past the Commandant's quarters I'd once occupied, past dorms I'd
inhabited as a cadet. Knowing my wishes—my aides had made them clear—Hazen
hadn't interrupted Academy routine to put the cadets on show for me; his charges
were at their usual classes. Nonetheless, the compound seemed almost deserted.
Typically, a handful of cadets could be found scurrying about on special duty
or, as punishment detail, set to manicuring the lawn with meticulous precision.

Trie Commandant seemed to read my thoughts. "I canceled outdoor activities, Mr.
SecGen." He glanced upward, shading his eyes. "Sorry, 1 should have brought
lined umbrellas."

I snorted my disdain. "1 don't need shielding." Nonetheless, I hurried my pace.

"We've a radiation alert for the rest of the week, despite the seeding. If the
gamma count gets much worse I'll send most of the joeys to Farside." Lunar
Academy, whose warrens were on die far side of the moon, where cadets did
advanced training. "Over time, it's getting better," He shrugged. "So they say,
but were you ever kept indoors at DevoaT"

"That was a half century ago." I made a face. "Things change." To my relief, we
were nearing the Commandant's quarters. My knee throbbed, and besides, I wanted
Arlene out of the newly menacing sun.