"Jack Vance - Demon Prince 04 - The Face" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

THE FACE

529

"Quite so. Lens Larque enjoys absurdities He is also avaricious.
If the action appears legitimate, he won't want to lose his ship by
default."

Addels gave a grunt of grudging acquiescence "I can tell you
this, at least. The most convincing disguise for legitimacy is legit-
imacy itself There should be no trouble discovering a basis for
action Spaceships trail a rash of small complaints in their wake
The difficulty is one of )unsdiction Has this ship touched Rath
Eileann before2"

"Not to my knowledge Ordinarily it works the Argo Fringe."

Addels said in a formal voice, "I will give the matter my best
attention "

"An important point to remember. Lens Larque is not an ami-
able man, for all his tricks and fancies. My name-I hardly need
emphasize this-must not be used. You yourself would be wise to
act discreetly "

Addels ran nervous fingers through his sparse blond hair "I
don't care to confront him at all, discreetly or otherwise "

"Nevertheless," said Gersen, "the ship must be immobilized
here at Rath Eileann Use a writ of attachment, or replevin or some
such document The real owner must definitely appear, or else lose
title by default"

Addels said peevishly, "If the ownership is corporate, or vested
in a limited society, no such result is possible The action is not all
that easy."

Gersen gave a grim laugh "If it were easy, I'd do it myself "
"I quite understand," said Addels in a morose voice "Let me
think the matter over for a day or two."

Three days later, in Gersen's chambers at Domus St Revelras, a
musical tone signaled an incoming call Gersen touched the "Mon-
itor" button; a cascade of exploding asterisks certified that the line
was free of interference A few seconds later Addels' fine-boned face
appeared on the screen

"I have made guarded inquiries," spoke Addels in his most di-
dactic voice. "I have obtained definite judicial opinion to the effect
that an action of the sort you envisage is valid only if a local citizen