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

the ships. He left before he had a chance to see any for himself."

"What did these aliens look like?" the Head persisted with his gentle questioning.

"The reports were garbled; panicked people don't make the most reliable witnesses. In general,
they seemed to be shorter than we are, humanoid in shape, with green skins, looking very strange. That
was the most comprehensive description my man could get."

"I see," the Head replied slowly. "And you believe this single sketchy report?"

"I'd be a fool to base my plans on anything that inexact. This report indicates there's something
that requires immediate investigation, nothing more. That's why I thought we might want to work together
on this matter."

"Nothing unites people like a common enemy."

"Precisely. Whatever the nature of this invading force, it's clearly hostile and a potential threat to
the Empire. You'd want to find out what happened on Omicron anyway, correct?"

"Of course."

"So do I," Lady A nodded. "If I sent out a team of my own and offered to share the data with you,
you might not believe them. If you sent out your own team, you might hide some crucial facts from me.
So since we both have to send out an investigative party, I'm merely suggesting that a joint venture with
shared resources and information would be the most efficient action."

"To what purpose?"

"That depends on what we find. We both have to assume the worst possible case. Suppose there is
a race of alien creatures intent on invading the Empire by force and seizing our planets. Suppose they have
an armada of their own. Is the Empire prepared to wage a long, costly war to defend itself?"

"We'd do what's necessary. Are you offering to help?"

"Of course. I have a navy of my own, as you're well aware. I won't divulge its size right now, but
it could make a significant addition to the imperial fleet if it's needed."

"Excuse me for doubting, but your trustworthiness has never been high. Why should I believe
your offer?"

Lady A looked up, staring him straight in the face. "I've never been modest about my desires. I
intend to rule the Empire, and I'll do whatever I must to achieve that. But that presupposes there'll be an
Empire left to rule. If there are aliens and if they attack us, they'll be attacking the territory I consider
rightfully mine. If you won't trust my word, you can certainly trust my instinct for enlightened self-
interest. I don't want the Empire torn apart any more than you do."

Von Wilmenhorst considered that. "Perhaps I'm becoming a cynic in my old age, but all this
altruism still leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Suppose we do fight these aliens, and suppose we win. What
price do you intend to extract from us?"