"Andre Norton - Moon Singer 1 - Moon of Three Rings" - читать интересную книгу автора (Norton Andre)

"Same here." If my coolness meant anything he did not show it. Instead
he waited for me to stow away my own board, which I did slowly to give
him a chance to go, though he did not take it. "I am Gauk Slafid."

"Krip Vorlund." Reluctantly I matched step with him. The exit was
crowded by native merchants and guildsmen. And, as is wise for
off-worlders, we did not push in among them. I saw him glance at my
collar badge, and I returned that check. He was in cargo, but his disk was
modified by two bars while mine bore only one. But then promotion in the
Combine, while leading perhaps to greater wealth in the end, came more
slowly.

One can never judge the planet age of those who spend most of their
lives in space. Some of us cannot even tell the number of our years by that
method. But I thought this Gauk Slafid might be somewhat older than I.

"Done your spec-looking yet?" That was a question I would have
thought too brash for even a Combine man, arrogant as they were inclined
to be. Yet when I stared at him, I believed he did not honestly realize that
that was one of the questions one did not ask, save of a kinsman or blood
comrade. Perhaps he had heard of Free Trader customs and was drawing
on faulty knowledge to make conversation.

"We are not yet port free." No use taking offense if his question was an
innocent one, though in bad form. One learns to put aside offense when
dealing with aliens, and the Combine in the past had been more alien to
those of my calling than many nonhuman contacts.

Perhaps he read something of my feeling, for he did not pursue that
line; but as we came to a thronged side street he motioned at its gaudy
flags and banners, each bearing the squiggles of local sign writing, and
proclaiming a number of amusements, both innocent and bordering on
the vicious. For, as the fair gathered sellers and buyers, priests and
respectable people, so was it the focus for those who earn their livelihood
by offering excitement for the mind and senses.

"There is plenty to see here—or are you ship-bound at night?" Was
there or was there not a faint trace of patronage in that? I decided it was
best not to explore beyond surface emotions. We were not engaged in any
sale, and I was cautious.

"So I have heard. But I have not yet drawn my watch button."

He grinned again, raising his hand to his forehead in a gesture
approximating a salute. "Fortune attend you then, Vorlund. We have
already drawn and I have my night free. If you make it, look me up." Again
he gestured, this time indicating a banner near the end of the line. It was
not bright in color like those the wind tugged at around it, being an odd
shade of gray, yet also shot with rose. Still, once you looked at it, your eyes