Книга только для ознакомления
.
I realized (being cold sober and rested) that this was not Dr Simmons and that the semblance was intentional but not intended to deceive. The Chairman, whatever He or It or She may be, had reached into my mind with some sort of hypnosis to create an ambience in which I could relax. Dr Simmons used to pet an animal and talk to it, before he got down to the uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and often painful things that he had to do to that animal.
It had worked. It worked with me, too. I knew that Mr Koshchei was not the old veterinary surgeon of my childhood... but this simulacrum brought out in me the same feeling of trust.
Mr Koshchei looked up as we came in. He nodded to Jerry, glanced at me. 'Sit down.'
We sat down. Mr Koshchei turned back to His desk. My manuscript was on it. He picked it up, jogged the sheets - straight, put them down. 'How are things in your bailiwick, Lucifer? Any problems?'
'No, Sir. Oh, the usual gripes about the air conditioning. Nothing I can't handle.'
'Do you want to rule earth this millennium?'
'Hasn't my brother claimed it?'
'Yahweh has claimed it, yes - he has pronounced Time Stop and torn it down. But I am not bound to let him rebuild. Do you want it? Answer Me.'
"Sir, I would much rather start with all-new materials.'
'All your guild prefer to start fresh. With no thought of the expense, of course. I could assign you to the Glaroon for a few cycles
|
