"George Zebrowski - Stranger Suns" - читать интересную книгу автора (Zebrowski George)

The shadows came forward and became human figures. Juan recognized Florman, the tall, lanky
excavation engineer, and Summet's stocky frame. The third man was a stranger.

“Obrion, what's going on here?” the director demanded.

“You know as much as we do. Who's this?"

“Inspector Ivan Dovzhenko, this is Dr. Juan Obrion. You've met the others, I believe."

Juan gave the Russian a quick nod. “We've just lost Mal, Titus. You startled us and he fell into this
opening."

As Summet looked down the well, Juan glanced at Dovzhenko. Youngish with blond hair and gray-blue
eyes, he seemed too stocky for his height. The usual second-rate Soviet scientist doubling as an ERS
national observer. The best knew enough not to waste their time.

“You shouldn't have come in here,” Summet said.

Juan said, “Mal went down slowly. He's somewhere below."

“Rassmussen, what do you think?” Summet demanded.

“I agree."

“And you, Dr. Dravic?"

“We all saw the same thing,” she said.

Summet looked down into the well again and said, “I should order you all out of here right now."

Dovzhenko seemed nervous and wary. “Dr. Obrion, I must protest this—"

“We've got to find him,” Juan said. “Down this passage."

Summet glanced at Dovzhenko, then nodded. “Wait here. I'll send down packs for you. You can't go
bare-handed."

“Please hurry,” Lena said.

Summet looked back up the passageway. “What in hell is this place?” He turned to Juan. “Is this where
your tachyon beam is coming from?"

“It's still on?” Juan asked.

Summet nodded, then motioned for Florman and Dovzhenko to follow him out. “Stay put!” he shouted
back as he hurried away.

3
 THE SEEKERS