"Colin Kapp - The Survival Game" - читать интересную книгу автора (Kapp Colin)

"Certainly!" Oontara saw the false move and was heartened by it. "We
were taught that the ransad was absolute—that nothing further could ever
be known. The Terrans have proved that knowledge is unending. Whatever
you know is only a steppingstone to the infinite possibilities of what could
be known. Already they can step a tenth of the way to the next galaxy.
Why be limited to this one alone when the universe contains more galaxies
than the Milky Way does stars?"

Xzan was dubious. "You haven't mentioned price. What do these
wonders cost?"

"Merely the promise to assume membership in the Galactic
Federation."

"Federation!" Xzan's scorn was terrible. "Once there were no laws
around the Hub but my word and your word, my whim and your whim.
That has been the way of star kings since time began. Yet you seek an
alliance with upstart weaklings, and talk of federation. I can hear the gods
laughing from here."

"The alliance serves me well. I've access to technology the ransad said
couldn't exist. And if the promise of my plans is fulfilled, I'll one day
control a million worlds where now I've but a hundred. Even Kam Kanizar,
the King of Kings, will sit at my feet."
 Xzan spat expressively at the immaculate drapes. "In a federation you'll
control nothing. In return, you'll have lost your warrior's soul. You're
selling your birthright for a handful of platitudes and a headful of ideas."

"You speak as if there were a choice in the matter. There isn't, Xzan.
Our way of life became extinct the day Terra independently discovered
hyperdrive."

"What sort of heresy is this?"

"No heresy—a revelation. We've been worshipping false gods."

"Mine are the gods of strength and terrible vengeance. Show me
anything in the universe stronger than these."

"I intend to. He's a little, fat Terran by the name of Hilary
Rounding—Commissioner for Terran Outspace Technical Aid. Neither you
nor your gods stand a chance against him."

Oontara reached for a golden tassel, which evoked a distant, soulful
bell. A servant appeared, approaching with the deep, obsequious bows
which the presence of star nobility demanded.

"Tell the Commissioner well be pleased to see him now."

The man who entered made no attempt to follow protocol. He strode