"Ann Maxwell - Change" - читать интересную книгу автора (Maxwell Ann)

without fear."" Her soft laughter filled the room. "How much time do I have, Goodman Curien, before I
die?"

"I am not a Good Earther, Selena. Call me Mark. And are you so sure we want your death?"

"I'm a Branlow mutant. Every known Branlow is either dead or 'missing.' The Good Earthers saw to
that."

"Humanistos are not Earthers."

Wordlessly Selena held out the skirt of her green robe.

He sighed. "Earthers have rich patrons throughout the world. Old money. The oldest. But they lost much
of their following after the Revolution. Humanistos had many followers, but little money. We joined.
Earthers pay the carge, but Humanistos control the power."

Selena made no comment. The permutations and manipulations of political power held little interest for
her. For whatever reason, at the hands of whatever political group, her high wire had broken.

"Why are you here?" she said finally.

"I will assist at your trial. To do that, I'll need to know more about you."

"I'm a Branlow mutant. What more is there to know?"

"Being a mutant, even a mutant with paranormal powers, is no offense." He ignored her bitter laughter
and continued. "If you had registered as a paranormal you would be free. But unregistered, you violate
the Alien Conspiracy Acts."

"And if I registered, I could walk out free," she said sardonically.

"No. It's too late for that. The trial will decide whether you used your talents illegally. If you're innocent of
conspiracy, you'll be fined for not registering and given your freedom. If you're guilty, then you may,
indeed, die."

"Alien contact," she said contemptuously. "What shrill. The Rynlon were given an outshift years ago,
thanks to your Earthers. I couldn't conspire with them if I wanted to."

"Do you want to?"

"No," she said irritably, "but there is something I want to do."

"Yes?"

"Eat."

Mark looked chagrined. "I forgot. I left orders that no one was to come near your room."

He activated the intercom and ordered breakfast for two. Within minutes a discreet knock announced the
arrival of food.