"Frank Herbert - Operation Syndrome" - читать интересную книгу автора (Herbert Brian & Frank)

subjective impulse."
"Does it do the same thing to everybody?"
"Probably not. Unless a person was conditioned as I have been by spending years in the
aura of a similar machine, these impulses would be censored at the threshold of
consciousness. They would be repressed as unbelievable."
Her lips firmed. She shook her head. "I don't see how all this scientific gobbledy-gook
proves the musikron caused the Syndrome."
"Maybe it doesn't. But it's the best possibility I've seen. That's why I'm going to ask a
favor. Could you get me the circuit diagrams for the musikron? If I could see them I'd be able
to tell just what this thing does. Do you know if Pete has plans for it?"
"There's some kind of a thick notebook inside the musikron. I think that's what you mean."
"Could you get it?"
"Maybe, but not tonight ... and I wouldn't dare tell Pete."
"Why not tonight?"
"Pete sleeps with the key to the musikron. He keeps it locked when it's not in use; so no
one will get inside and get a shock. It has to be left on all the time because it takes so long
to warm it up. Something about crystals or energy potential or some words like that."
"Where's Pete staying?"
"There are quarters down there, special apartments."
He turned away, breathed the damp salt air, turned back.
Colleen shivered. "I know it's not the musikron. I ... they -- " She was crying.
He moved closer, put an arm around her shoulders, waiting. He felt her shiver. She leaned
against him; the shivering subsided.
"I'll get those plans." She moved her head restlessly. "That'll prove it isn't the musikron."
"Colleen ... " He tightened his arm on her shoulders, feeling a warm urgency within him.
She moved closer "Yes."
He bent his head. Her lips were warm and soft. She clung to him, pulled away, nestled in
his arms.
"This isn't right," she said.
Again he bent his head. She tipped her head up to meet him. It was a gentle kiss.
She pulled away slowly, turned her head toward the bay. "It can't be like this," she
whispered. "So quick -- without warning."
He put his face in her hah", inhaled. "Like what?"
 "Like you'd found your way home."
He swallowed. "My dear."
Again their lips met. She pulled away, put a hand to his cheek. "I have to go."
"When will I see you?"
"Tomorrow. I'll tell Pete I have to do some shopping."
"Where?"
"Do you have a laboratory?"
"At my home in Chalmers Place on the other side of the lake. It's in the directory."
"I'll come as soon as I can get the diagrams."
Again they kissed.
"I really have to go."
He held her tightly.
"Really." She pulled away. "Good night" -- she hesitated -- "Eric." Shadows flowed in around
her.
He heard the whirring of the elevator, leaned back against the concrete, drawing deep
breaths to calm himself.
Deliberate footsteps approached from his left. A hand-light flashed in his face, the dull