Citizen in Spase. Stories / Гражданин в Космосе. Рассказы. Книга для чтения на английском языке

There are people who want to settle there, Morrison! Businesses and service industries to move in.”

“I know that, sir.”

“I’m sure you do. But they require a finished planet, and they need definite moving dates. If we can’t give it to them, General Construction can, or Earth-Mars, or Johnson and Hearn. Planets aren’t that scarce. You understand that, don’t you?”

Morrison’s temper had been uncertain since the accidents had started. Now it flared suddenly. He shouted, “What in hell do you want out of me? Do you think I’m stalling? You can take your lousy contract and —”

“Now, now,” Mr.

Shotwell said hurriedly. “I didn’t mean anything personally, Morrison. We believe – we know – that you’re the best man in planetary construction. But the stockholders —”

“I’ll do the best I can,” Morrison said, and signed off.

“Rough, rough,” the radio operator murmured. “Maybe the stockholders would like to come out here with their little shovels?”

“Forget it,” Morrison said, and hurried off.

Lerner was waiting for him at Control Point Able, gazing somberly at the mountain. It was taller than Everest on Earth, and the snow on its upper ranges glowed pink in the afternoon sun. It had never been named.

“Charges all planted?” Morrison asked.

“Another few hours.” Lerner hesitated. Aside from being Morrison’s assistant, he was an amateur conservationist, a small, careful, graying man.

“It’s the tallest mountain on the planet,” Lerner said.

“Couldn’t you save it?”

“Not a chance. This is the key location. We need an ocean port right here.”

Lerner nodded, and looked regretfully at the mountain. “It’s a real pity. No one’s ever climbed it.”

Morrison turned quickly and glared at his assistant. “Look, Lerner,” he said. “I am aware that no one has ever climbed that mountain. I recognize the symbolism inherent in destroying that mountain. But you know as well as I do that it has to go.

Why rub it in?[4 - Why rub it in? – Зачем постоянно к этому возвращаться?]”

“I wasn’t —”

“My job isn’t to admire scenery. I hate scenery. My job is to convert this place to the specialized needs of human beings.”

“You’re pretty jumpy,” Lerner said.

“Just don’t give me any more of your sly innuendoes.”

“All right.”

Morrison wiped his sweaty hands against his pants leg.