"Norton, Andre - Solar Queen 03- Voodoo Planet" - читать интересную книгу автора (Norton Andre)

"That is so, sir."

"Do you then believe that it is real force, or that it is only a superstition for child-people who set up
demons to howl petitions to when some darkness falls upon them?"

"Some of the magic I have seen is trickery, some of it founded upon an inner knowledge of men and their
ways which a shrewd witch doctor can use to his advantage. There always remains" --Tau put down his
mug, "--there always remains a small residue of happenings and results for which we have not yet found
any logical explanations--"

"And I believe," Asaki interrupted, "it is also true that a race can be conditioned from birth to be sensitive
to forms of magic so that men of that blood are particularly susceptible." That was more of a statement than
a question, but Tau answered it.
"That is very true. A Lamorian, for example, can be `sung' to death. I have witnessed such a case. But
upon a Terran or another off-world man the same suggestion would have no effect."

"Those who settled Khatka brought such magic with them." The Chief Ranger's fingers still moved about
Sinbad's jaw and throat soothingly, but his tone was chill, the coldest thing in the cramped space of the
mess cabin.

"Yes, a highly developed form of it," Tau agreed.

"More highly developed perhaps than even you can believe, Medic!" That came in a hiss of cold rage. "I
think that its present manifestation--death by a beast that is not a beast--could be worth your detailed
study."

"Why?" Tau came bluntly to the point.

"Because it is a killing magic and it is being carefully used to rid my world of key men, men we need
badly. If there is a weak point in this cloudy attack shaping against us, we must learn it, and soon!"

It was Jellico who added the rest. "We are invited to visit Khatka and survey a new hunting range as Chief
Ranger Asaki's personal term guests."

Dane drew a deep breath of wonder. Guest rights on Khatka were jealously guarded--they were too
valuable to their owners to waste. Whole families lived on the income from the yearly rental of even half a
one. But the Rangers, by right of office, had several which they could grant to visiting scientists or men
from other worlds holding positions similar to their own. To have such an opportunity offered to an
ordinary Trader was almost incredible.

His wonder was matched by Tau's and must have been plain to read for the Chief Ranger smiled.

"For a long time Captain Jellico and I have exchanged biological data on alien life-forms--his skill in
photographing such, his knowledge as an xenobiologist are widely recognized. And so I have permission
for him to visit the new Zoboru preserve, not yet officially opened. And you, Medic Tau, your help, or at
least your diagnosis, we need in another direction. So, one expert comes openly, another not so openly.
Though, Medic, your task is approved by my superiors. And" --he glanced at Dane-- "perhaps to muddle
the trail for the suspicious, shall we not ask this young man also?"

Dane's eyes went to the captain. Jellico was always fair and his crew would have snapped into action on