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

"With your permission, I'd like to follow her instructions and meet with her. That's the only way,
apparently, to find out what she knows about Omicron. I'll listen to what she says and try to decide how
smooth she's being with us. If she convinces me of a threat, I'd like your permission to agree to her
proposed alliance."

"This could be a trap, that's what I'm afraid of. What if she just wants to lure you someplace to kill
you?"

"She won't kill me," the Head chuckled. "I'm too valuable to her where I am."

The Empress looked startled. "What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing sinister, I assure you. It's just that she's had a couple of decades, now, to study my way
of thinking. She knows—or thinks she knows—how I'll react in most circumstances. It's like two old chess
partners; after playing against one another so long, they become familiar with all the moves. If she killed
me, you'd appoint someone new to run the Service, and she'd have to take a while to learn what he's like. I
think she's comfortable with me."

"If that's so," the Empress mused, "perhaps I should replace you. It would certainly spoil some of
her plans."

Von Wilmenhorst, noting her rueful half-smile, nodded gravely. "I'm always at Your Majesty's
disposal. If you need recommendations for a possible successor, I could . . ."

"Don't bother," Edna said with a shake of her head. "That was half in jest. I can't think of anyone
I'd trust in your job a fraction as much as I trust you, whether you're predictable or not. But I still worry
about you."

"I'm glad you do."

Edna's face became more serious as she continued, "I can give you the first permission you asked
for, to meet with Lady A and find out what her deal is. Much as I hate doing business with her, we'll have
to find out what she knows and what she's up to. But as for the second—it's not that I don't trust you,
Zander, but I have to keep my finger on that one personally. It's just too important. I'll listen to your
recommendation, of course, but I'll reserve final authority on whether to accept her terms or not. Listen to
her offer, pry as much information out of her as you can, and then come back to me and I'll make the
decision."

"I understand," the Head said. "In dealing with your worst enemy, you should have the ultimate
say. I'll get back to you as soon as possible."
 Edna Stanley signed off, took one deep breath, and returned to her reception. Her polite social
mask was firmly in place; not a single guest at the gathering had the faintest suspicion that matters
affecting the entire fate of the Galaxy were being discussed and decided while they were chatting
pleasantly in the Reception Hall.

***

The instructions Lady A had left were quite explicit. The Head called a given number and spoke
to an answering machine, stating the time he wished the meeting to take place. The Service routinely