Читать книгу Windows of Opportunities - Heinrich Psscht - Страница 38

– Hans, what’s up? You look pathetic!

– No, not at all, sir! Yes, you are right, I’m a little sad, sir!

– Are you? Why’s that?

– I can’t figure it myself, sir!

– Hans, you know there is a sure remedy for sadness!

– I know, sir, it is to learn a charter by heart! But this is an old-hat joke, sir! We used to be told so at the Academy.

– That’s right, Hans, but at the Academy weren’t you also taught that to be sad is the worst thing in the world?

– We were never sad at the Academy!

– Even in the Flight Safety classes?

– Especially in them, sir! We did this… Once…

– Now you do look cheerful again, Hans.

– Yes, a little. Maybe we should keep some pets, like a fish or a cat?

– You’re out of your mind, Hans! What kind of sentimentality is that? Is there not enough work for you at the vivarium? Moreover, it is forbidden to keep animals on board the ship.

– No, I didn’t mean real, I mean artificial! Even translucent. I will find some corner for them. Models with the second level of intelligence.

– Like yours?

– You are kidding me, sir!

– Nearly!

– May I have some animals, sir?

– Come on, but not many. Mind you, animals may be artificial, but the problems associated with them could be real.

– I don’t quite understand you, sir!

– Affection, jealousy, attachment, excitement…

– I can handle them all, sir!

– Can you? But I think about myself now! I’ve just imagined them: transparent as ghosts, messing underfoot, or worst of all, talking to me…

– I can make them invisible to you, sir.

– Do you mean, you will have animal sprites in your head that are invisible to me?

– Yes, sir!

– Go ahead! One more, one less! I thought you don’t have room for more, but if there is still some space left – go for it definitely or indefinitely! Have you cheered up?

– Yes, sir!

– Then turn your attention on, there are several minutes left before the communication session begins.