Binary code: Mystery number one - стр. 14

Vasilievich jabbed his index finger upward.

– You can't and have no right to even stutter about what you do. Forget everything you know. It's a world of its own, its own culture, its own concepts. Although your spouse has a clearance level, she's being considered for administrator. In that, you may be lucky.

Ruthra was silent, listening.

– You and your wife must have met in the system?

– Why would you say that?

– Here, as in many intelligence agencies, most marry by decree, to a "local". I got married that way the first time too, and my current wife has no idea where I go. Your spouse has been served papers on you too, which is why I'm wondering whose you're from. It's rare for that to happen.

– Whose? I don't know, I got her involved somehow. The system approved it, even though she still only has administrative clearance.

– Our service is a service of control over everything and anything, as well as planning and forecasting. That's why you don't get here by blat, by acquaintance, or for the merits of your parents.

– What are you talking about?

– I'm trying to figure out which mafia.

– Mafia?

Ruthra even smiled.

– Just kidding.

Vasilyevich's face became serious. Rutra became serious, too. He realized that this wasn't entirely a joke. The two burning gazes locked into each other, trying to siphon off all the information they could.

– What kind of mafia is there? – Ruthra asked with a smile.

– Some with a bayonet, some with a pencil.

– Who are these people?

– With bayonet – military or ex-military, the ranks here are nominal. This organization is special, the ranks here are of a special level.

– And "with a pencil"?

– These are men of science, scientists.

– Why, could they be dangerous?

Vasilievich hummed

– As for the military, you may know what they want and, more importantly, can do, but with scientists, it's always a mystery. What do they have in mind, what have they come up with? And most importantly, they can come up with something with which they can seize power over the human brain. Suddenly they have figured out how to control a person imperceptibly and make sure that the person thinks that he is free in his choice? What then?

He looked intently at Ruthra and added quietly:

– The most powerful mafia is the mafia of scientists.

Ruthra didn't know what to answer.

– I don't even know what to say to you. Consider me neutral.

– Neutrals can only be those who know the field of warfare intimately and have a high degree in the exact sciences. Do you have one of those?

Vasilievich said the last one sarcastically.