Читать книгу The Science Fiction Anthology онлайн

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“Look!” Rajcik said.

A LIGHT on the computer’s panel was flashing green.

“Must be a mistake,” said Watkins. “Green means the problem is solvable within the conditions set down.”

“Solvable!” Rajcik said.

“But it’s impossible,” Watkins argued. “It’s fooling us, leading us on—”

“Don’t be superstitious,” Rajcik mocked. “How soon do we get the solution?”

“It’s coming now.” Watkins pointed to a paper tape inching out of a slot in the machine’s face. “But there must be something wrong!”

They watched as, millimeter by millimeter, the tape crept out. The computer hummed, its lights flashing green. Then the hum stopped. The green lights blazed once more and faded.

“What happened?” Rajcik wanted to know.

“It’s finished,” Watkins said.

“Pick it up! Read it!”

“You read it. You won’t get me to play its game.”

Rajcik laughed nervously and rubbed his hands together, but didn’t move. Both men turned to Somers.

“Captain, it’s your responsibility.”

“Go ahead, Captain!”

Somers looked with loathing at his engineer and navigator. His responsibility, everything was his responsibility. Would they never leave him alone?