"Larry Niven - Building Harlequin's Moon" - читать интересную книгу автора (Niven Larry)

them?"

Of course, Rachel thought, that must have been the right answer. Why do I always miss the simple
stuff?

Gabriel changed the subject. "While you were talking with Council-woman Ali, I downloaded some
problems for you. You've got an hour, so take your time, but stay here in the meadow."

The children separated and bent over their wrist pads. Rachel answered half of the questions easily, and
struggled with the next few, sweat beading on her forehead as time ticked away too fast. Knowing that
there must be cameras recording, Rachel kept her face turned toward her pad and didn't look around at
all.

After they'd all sent their answers back to Gabriel, the children scattered for lunch. Ursula and Rachel sat
together. At first the girls ate quietly, swapping carrots for berries, and sharing two types of bread. Ursula
looked dejected. "I didn't even get through it all. What happens if I'm not picked?"

"I didn't have time to finish the last question either," Rachel said. "And besides, we don't know how the
others did yet."

"I missed three. But I know Harry and Andrew finished it all."

"How do you know that?" Rachel asked her friend.

"I watched them. They beamed the answers even before the hour was up."

"That doesn't mean they got them right." Ursula didn't look comforted. "Hey," Rachel offered, "you
always did well planting, and the whole time we were studying with Gabriel. I know he thinks you're
smart."

"How do you know that?" Ursula asked.

"I watch him. I see him watching how you work, and sometimes he smiles."

"What does a smile mean? What if I don't get chosen? I'll just die if I don't pass," Ursula continued.
"What if I have to be a cook, or make tents? I want to be with you!"

"Well, it looks like we get to find out."

Gabriel and Ali sat together on the dais, waiting for the students to notice and gather. Harry already sat at
the Council's feet, but the others, including Andrew this time, were all busy in a game of catch-the-disk,
seeing who could leap highest and still land gracefully, disk in hand. Andrew's bracelets jangled against
each other so he rang loudly as he leaped, a signal for the other children to get out of his way. Andrew
was one of the best players, and Rachel watched him catch the heavy disk with his feet, flip over in a
one-eighty, and land triumphantly.

Ali clapped her hands and the players stopped and bounded over.

Gabriel started right in on the results. "Nick, you and Alexandra are the youngest two to pass. You'll be
in the advanced class next winter." That meant that at least three younger children, including Sharon,