Конец вечности
Computer
AnotherthingIdidwastolocateamemberofthecurrentaristocracy,whothoughtitwouldbethrillingorexcitingtoworkinEternity.Iplacedherinthisofficeandkeptherundercloseobservationtoseeifsheweresuitableforourpurpose—"
Harlanthought:Closeobservation!Yes!
AgainhisangerfocuseditselfonFingeratherthanuponthewoman.
Fingewasstillspeaking."Byallstandards,sheissuitable.WewillnowreturnhertoherTime.Usingherdwellingasabase,youwillbeabletostudythesociallifeofhercircle.DoyouunderstandnowthereasonIhadthegirlhereandthereasonIwantyouinherhouse?"
Harlansaidwithanalmostopenirony,"Iunderstandquitewell,Iassureyou."
"Thenyouwillacceptthismission."
Harlanleftwiththefireofbattleburninginsidehischest.Fingewasnotgoingtooutsmarthim.Hewasnotgoingtomakeafoolofhim.
Surelyitwasthatfireofbattle,thedeterminationtooutwitFinge,thatcausedhimtoexperienceaneagerness,almostanexhilaration,atthethoughtofthisnextexcursionintothe482nd.
Surelyitwasnothingelse.
