"Richard Hatch - Battlestar Galactica 5 - Paradis" - читать интересную книгу автора (Hatch Richard)

"We always find interesting planets," said Athena. "Maybe that's a good
omen—maybe it means that ultimately we'll find Earth!"

Salik nodded. "When we do, I'll write my epic poem about hydrogen."
Now Tigh and Athena exchanged glances. There was nothing to do but let
the eminent scientist get it out of his system.

"Life has made a bargain with hydrogen, as well as carbon, nitrogen,
oxygen and sulfur. My point is that it would be a bleak and empty universe
without the hydrogen atom."

Tigh returned to the subject at hand. "Speaking of empty, Paradis is
anything but!"

"There seems to be an equal amount of water and land," said someone's
voice, deep in Salik's laboratory.

"That's promising," said Athena. "Maybe we won't have any more
problems with hunger. There's been too much privation among our
people. I'd rather face a thousand Centurions than starvation."

After their recent troubles, she spoke for all of them. Tigh pondered his
screens. "There is life on Paradis. And now we will add ourselves to that
biosphere."

"There is no evidence of high technology," said Abhug, a recent
addition to Salik's staff, an eager youth who spoke with a certain
smugness.

"We are still scanning for different life forms—flora and fauna," said
Athena. "Aren't you a bit premature with that assurance?"

The young scientist was unfazed. "The important thing is the lack of
evidence that anyone's down there who could resist us. There are no
satellites in orbit, no artificial spheres or visible architecture of any sort!
There is no evidence on the surface of cities or weapons systems."
 Troy got into the act. "You're still jumping to conclusions. They could
be underground."

"Unlikely," countered Abhug. "With a hospitable environment, they
would have no reason to go underground. Seems to me this planet is ripe
for the picking, whether it's inhabited or not."

Tigh sighed. "Inform Commander Apollo of our current results. I hope
no one needs to sleep any time soon. Our work is just beginning. I want to
know everything that's down there."

"You mean before we check it out in person?" asked Athena with a
smile.