Конец вечности
Computer
HedreamedthatnightthathespoketoTwissellaboutthematter,andthatTwissell,theidealEternal,sharedhishorror.HedreamedofabrokenFinge,strippedofrank.HedreamedofhimselfwiththeyellowComputer’sinsigne,institutinganewregimeinthe482nd,orderingFingegrandlytoanewpositioninMaintenance.Twissellsatnexttohim,smilingwithadmiration,ashedrewupaneworganizationalchart,neat,orderly,consistent,andaskedNoysLambenttodistributecopies.
ButNoysLambentwasnude,andHarlanwokeup,tremblingandashamed.
Hemetthegirlinacorridoronedayandstoodaside,eyesaverted,toletherpass.
Butsheremainedstanding,lookingathim,untilhehadtolookupandmeethereyes.ShewasallcolorandlifeandHarlanwasconsciousofafaintperfumeabouther.
Shesaid,"You’reTechnicianHarlan,aren’tyou?"
Hisimpulsewastosnubher,toforcehiswaypast,but,afterall,hetoldhimself,allthiswasn’therfault.Besides,tomovepasthernowwouldmeantouchingher.
Sohenoddedbriefly."Yes."
"I’mtoldyou’requiteanexpertonourTime."
"Ihavebeeninit."
"Iwouldlovetotalktoyouaboutitsomeday."
"Iambusy.Iwouldn’thavetime."
"ButMr.Harlan,surelyyoucouldfindtimesomeday."
Shesmiledathim.
Harlansaidinadesperatewhisper,"Willyoupass,please?Orwillyoustandasidetoletmepass?Please!"
Shemovedbywithaslowswingofherhipsthatbroughtbloodtinglingtohisembarrassedcheeks.
