"Morris, Janet - Kerrion Empire 03 - Earth Dreams UC" - читать интересную книгу автора (Morris Janet E)

test that platform. It is more corrupt than antiquated,
more contemptible than outmoded. I have got to sepa-
rate these Orrefors personnel whom I have inherited
from those reminders of their past which define them. I
did not expect them to become instantly Kerrions, simply
by proclamation, and they have not disappointed me. Do
you understand? Things are very precarious here."

She merely stared at him, owl-eyed.

"I must confess that I am wondering whether you are
here, as you say, for love of your people—and of course,
of my inimitable person—"—he bowed where he sat, a
wry caricature of his courtly Kerrion self—"or because by
the letter of our long-standing agreement you are ready
to claim this world as your personal property. Although
technically you are entitled—"

"Chaeron, I am here because I wish to be here. To
help, nothing more. I signed every release that crossed
my desk while I was acting Draconis consul: if you bank-
rupt us both, it will be in a good cause. And we will still

4

JANET MORRIS

have all which our eyes can now survey. Do not think
that I would turn upon you." Her piquant, heart-shaped
face was somber. "1 will gladly give you everything I
have, or ever will have, except the title to my cruiser.
This one thing, never ask of me. Short of it, I wish only
to stay here with you and build what you are building. I
told you—it is what I have wanted for us ever since your
half brother spirited me off among the stars."

He laughed then, and something invisible in him
eased. "I will never, ever, ask you for the Marada." Did
the slightest shiver course his flesh at the mention of that
name which was also his half brother's name—the name
of Kerrion space's presiding consul general, who had
banished him here?

"Let us slate it into the record," she proposed, eyeing
the scrambler, suspicious of him because he employed it.

When he had folded up the scrambler, they repeated
their agreement, Shebat saying first, "Slate" and after-
ward, "End, slate."