"Mack Reynolds - Planetary Agent X" - читать интересную книгу автора (Reynolds Mack)

at her. “You seemed to be encouraging that man in his pessimism.
So far as I can see, the best thing that ever happened to this planet
was toppling that phony priesthood.”
“Perhaps,” she said agreeably. “However, the man’s mind was
an ossified one. A surprisingly large percentage of people have
them, especially when it comes to institutions such as religion and
government. We weren’t going to be able to teach him anything,
but it was possible to learn from him.”
Ronny grunted his disgust. “What could we possibly learn
from him?”
Tog said mildly, “We could learn what people of the street
were thinking. It might give us some ideas about what direction the
new government will take.”
They approached the portals of the building and were halted
by an armed Space Forces guard of half a dozen men. Their
sergeant saluted, taking in their obvious other-planet clothing.
“Identifications, please,” he said briskly.
They showed their badges and were passed on through.
Ronny said to him, “Much trouble, sergeant?”
The other shrugged. “No. Just precautions, sir. We’ve been
here only three or four weeks. Civil disturbance. We’re used to it.
Were over on Montezuma two basic months ago. Now, there was
real trouble. Had to shoot our way out.”
Tog called, “Coming, Ronny? I have this elevator waiting.”
He followed her, scowling. An idea was trying to work its way
through. Somehow he missed getting it.
Headquarters of the Department of Justice were on the eighth
floor. A receptionist clerk led them through three or four doors to
the single office which housed Section G.
A red eyed, exhausted agent looked up from the sole desk and
snarled a question at them. Ronny didn’t get it, but Tog said mildly,
“Probationary Agent Ronald Bronston and Tog Lee Chang Chu.
On special assignment.” She flicked open her badge so that the
other could see it.
 His manner changed. “Sorry,” he said, getting up to shake
hands. “I’m Mouley Hassan, in charge of Section G on New Delos.
We’ve just had a crisis here, as you can imagine. The worst of it’s
now over.” He added sourly, “I hope. All my assistants have
already taken off for Avalon.” He was a short statured, dark
complected man, his features betraying his Semitic background.
Ronny shook hands with him and said, “Sorry to bother you
at a time like this.”
They found chairs and Mouley Hassan flicked a key on his
order box and said to them, “How about a drink? They make a
wonderful sparkling wine on this planet. Trust any theocracy to
have top potables.”
Ronny accepted the offer; Tog refused it politely. She sat
demurely, her hands in her lap.
Mouley Hassan ran a weary hand through already mussed
hair. “What’s this special assignment you’re on?”