"Herbert, Frank - Man of Two Worlds (CA by Frank Herbert)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Herbert Brian & Frank)

Only a small part of this body is yours. Most of it is mine. I'm trying to save us both.

You're lying!

Ryll allowed a memory vision of the moments before fleshly merging to flow into common awareness. He carefully controlled what was shared but made it appear uncensored, astonished at his sudden ability to dissemble.

The human's response was predictable.

My God! Is that me? Oh . . . yes. The back of my head was crushed! Nobody could have survived that. I must've been dying.

We both were dying. There was enough flesh to save us but only in one body.

Can't we separate?

There may be a way but it will take time and facilities you don't yet possess.

Who are you?

I am a Dreen Far Voyager.

That was a lie but the human could not know, could not acquire any of Ryll's memories unless Ryll chose to share them.

What's a Dreen?

I'll explain later. What was your ship doing in my emergent space? You caused the accident.

No response from the Earther.

Ryll sensed advantage and pressed it.

Didn't you know an Excursion Ship of a Far Voyager might come out there?

The human tried to change the subject. What's this language we're using and how come I understand it?

This is the Dreenor language. Habiba's language. When we merged, some of my language facility became available to you.

Why do you say I caused the accident?

You entered emergent space without proper warning.

I was testing my new ship. Definitely defensive.

Well, your companion is dead and both of our ships are total disasters. Who are these people rescuing us?

Zone Patrol. I wasn't authorized in their perimeter and there's going to be hell to pay. It's into the clink for sure, no matter who I am.

Ryll allowed himself a secret thought: Zone Patrol! The ones who held captive Dreens!

He assumed his most persuasive personality. I have a suggestion, Lutt. May I call you Lutt?