"Doorsways in the Sand 06" - читать интересную книгу автора (Varley John)

"I am not permitted to discuss policies and internal operating procedures."
"Naturally," I said, "but I had to say it. Now tell me about this analysis business. How do you go about it?"
"It would be similar to the simple word association test with which you are familiar. The difference is that I will do it from the inside. I will not have to guess at your reactions. I will know them at a primary level."
"This seems to indicate that you cannot look directly into my subconscious."
"That is correct. I am not that good. Ordinarily, I can only read your surface thoughts. When I hit something this way, though, I should be able to keep pressing the feeling and follow it on down to where its roots are twisted."
"I see. Then it does require considerable cooperation on my part?"
"Oh yes. It would take a real pro to push in against your will."
"I guess I am fortunate there are none of them available."
"I wish there were. I am certain that I am not going to enjoy it."
I finished my coffee and poured another cup.
"What do you say to our doing it this afternoon?" Sibia asked.
"What's wrong with right now?"
"I would rather wait for your nervous system to return to normal. There are still some secondary effects from the beverages you consumed. They make scanning you more difficult."
"Does that always hold?"
"By and large."
"Interesting."
I sipped more coffee.
"You are doing it again!"
"What?"
"Those numbers, over and over."
"Sorry. Hard to keep them out."
"That is not the reason!"
I stood. I stretched.
"Excuse me. I require the use of the facility again."
Sibla moved to block my way, but I moved faster.
"You are not thinking of leaving, are you? Is that what you are masking?"
"I never said that."
"You do not have to. I can feel it. You will be making a mistake if you do."
I headed for the door, and Sibla turned quickly to follow.
"I will not permit you to go-not after the indignities I have suffered to get at that miserable knot of ganglia!"
"That's a nice way to talk!" I said. "Especially when you want a favor."
I dashed up the hall and into the john. Sibla clattered after.
"We are doing you the favor! Only you are too stupid to realize it!"
" 'Uninformed' is the word-and that's your fault!"
I slammed the door, locked it.
"Wait! Listen! If you go, you could be in real trouble!"
I laughed. "I'm sorry. You came on too strong."
I turned to the window, flung it wide.
"Then go, you ignorant ape! Throw away your chance at civilization!"
"What are you talking about?"
Silence.
Then: "Nothing. I am sorry. But you must realize that it is important."
"I already know that. What I want to know is 'Why?' "
"I cannot tell you."
"Then go to hell," I said.
"I knew you were not worth it," Sibla replied. "From what I have seen of your race, you are nothing but a band of barbarians and degenerates."
I swung up onto the sill, crouched a moment while I estimated the distance.
"Nobody likes a smartass either," I said, and then I jumped.