Hellstrom's Hive (Frank Herbert) читать бесплатно онлайн полную версию книги (ч. 64)

From Joseph Merrivale’s report to the Agency board.

As you know, we are effectively blocked from any further active participation in this matter, a decision the short sightedness of which we all recognize. We are consulted on the problem from time to time, however, and I can give you some idea of how things are proceeding in Washington.

My own private guess at the moment is that Hellstrom will be permitted to continue with his filthy cult, at least for the time being, and he may even be allowed to continue making his subversive films.

The seesaw of the official debate is polarized around the following two opposing viewpoints:

1. Blast them out and damn the consequences. This is a minority viewpoint which I share, but it is losing adherents.

2. Stall for time by making a secret agreement with Hellstrom, thereby keeping knowledge of the Hive from the public, while at the same time mounting a massive research program aimed at the destruction of what is coming to be called in official circles “the Hellstrom horror.”