"Mack Reynolds - Pacifist" - читать интересную книгу автора (Reynolds Mack)

“Keep calling me Jakes, if you wish,” Casey said mildly. “I’m not important. Just one member of a
widespread organization.”


“What do you want?” the Senator snapped.


“How much do you know about the Pacifists, McGivern?”


“I know it to be a band of vicious criminals!”


Casey nodded agreeably. “It’s according to whose laws you go by. We have rejected yours.”


“What do you want?” the Senator repeated.


“Of necessity,” Casey continued, evenly, “our organization is a secret one; however, it contains some of the
world’s best brains, in almost every field of endeavour, even including elements in the governments of both
Hemispheres.”


Phil McGivern snorted his contempt.


Casey went on, an eye taking in the fact that Walters, laid out on the floor, had stirred and groaned softly.
“Among our number are some capable of charting world development. By extrapolation, they have concluded
that if your policies are continued nuclear war will break out within three years.”


The other flushed in anger, finding trouble in controlling his voice. “Spies! Subversives! Make no mistake
about it. Jakes, as you call yourself, we realize you’re nothing more than cat’s-paws for the Polarians.”


The self-named Pacifist chuckled sourly. “You should know better. Senator. Our organization is as active on
the Northern Hemisphere as it is on this one.” Suddenly he came quickly to his feet and bent over Walters
who had begun to stir. Casey’s hand flicked out and clipped the other across the jawbone. The secretary
collapsed again, without sound.


Warren Casey returned to his chair. “The point is that our experts are of the opinion that you’ll have to drop
out of politics. Senator McGivern. I suggest a resignation for reasons of health within the next week."


There was quick rage, then steaming silence while thought processes went on. “And Fredric?” McGivern
growled finally. Casey shrugged. “He will be freed as soon as you comply.”