"E. E. Doc Smith - D' Alembert 9 - The Omicron Invasion" - читать интересную книгу автора (Smith E. E. Doc)

question."

"You can put away your toy; it doesn't frighten me. If I wanted you dead, you'd be dead. I could
have killed you on Sanctuary, had it suited my purposes. Killing you would serve no point; you're far too
replaceable."

Helena fumed inwardly at the insult, but remained outwardly level. Moving closer to the couch,
she said, Then why are you here?"

"I've come to make an offer."

"The only thing I'd accept from you is your unconditional surrender."

"Your naivete is beginning to wear thin, as is your presumption. The offer is for your father, not
you. I trust you enough to relay it to him without getting it garbled in transmission. You should consider
that a compliment."

"I don't want compliments from you."

"Don't worry, you won't get too many. Sit down, make yourself at home."

Helena's eyes were gradually becoming adjusted to the darkened room, enough to make out the
dim outline of Lady A's shape at one end of the brass and leather couch. There didn't seem to be anyone
else in the room. Helena thought about the blaster she had stashed in her bedroom, and wondered what the
chances were of reaching it before her enemy could stop her.

"In case you're wondering about doing anything stupid," Lady A continued casually, "I've already
disposed of the weapon you so carelessly left lying around. Now, it makes no difference to me whether
you stand or sit. Your personal comfort is your own business."

Helena twitched slightly, wondering how the woman could have read her mind, then realized that
she must have glanced briefly in the direction of the bedroom. With her robot body, Lady A was much
better equipped to see in the dark than Helena was; to her, the room was probably as bright as day.

"Khorosho," Helena said, sitting at the other end of the couch as far from Lady A as she could.
"What's the offer?"

"Quite simply, I'm offering my help in saving the Empire."

Helena blinked, startled. "Are you going to betray your organization?"
 "Nothing of the sort. What I'm offering is a truce and an alliance against a third party."

Surprise upon surprise. "Who?"

"I won't trade details with underlings," Lady A replied. "On your kitchen table you'll find a list of
instructions on how to contact me, should your father be interested. If I don't hear from him I'll assume
he's not interested in such an alliance and make my own contingency plans accordingly. Being hidden, my
own organization should survive somewhat better than yours if tragedy strikes."

Lady A stood up and started for the door.