Конец вечности

           "Andalthoughhissmileremainedandhisglanceremainedmild,therewasarelishofcruelsatisfactionabouthim.

           Harlanlookedupsharplyandsaid,"Asyouwish,Computer."

           ItemTwo:Here-establishedhimselfatthe575th.

           HemetTwissellalmostatonce.Hefoundhimselfhappytoseethatlittlebody,toppedbythatlinedandgnomelikeface.HewasevenhappytoseethewhitecylindernestlingsmokilybetweentwostainedfingersandbeingliftedrapidlytowardTwissell’slips.

           Harlansaid,"Computer."

           Twissell,emergingfromhisoffice,lookedforamomentunseeinglyandunrecognizinglyatHarlan.Hisfacewashaggardandhiseyessquintedwithweariness.

           Hesaid,"Ah,TechnicianHarlan.Youaredonewithyourworkinthe482nd?"

           "Yes,sir."

           Twissell’scommentwasstrange.Helookedathiswatch,which,likeanywatchinEternity,wasgearedtophysiotime,givingthedaynumberaswellasthetimeofday,andsaid,"Onthenose,myboy,onthenose.Wonderful.Wonderful."

           Harlanfelthisheartgiveasmallbound.WhenhehadlastseenTwissellhewouldnothavebeenabletomakesenseofthatremark.Nowhethoughthedid.Twissellwastired,orhewouldnothavespokensoclosetothecoreofthings,perhaps.OrtheComputermighthavefelttheremarktobesocrypticastofeelsafedespiteitsclosenesstothecore.