（外文电子版资料）Wolfe, Gene - War Beneath The Tree.pdfVIP

WAR BENEATH THE TREE By Gene Wolfe Its Christmas Eve, Commander Robin, the Spaceman said. Youd better go to bed or Santa wont come. Robins mother said, Thats right, Robin. Time to say good night. The little boy in blue pajamas nodded, but he made no move to rise. Kiss me, said Bear. Bear walked his funny, waddly walk around the tree and threw his arms about Robin. We have to go to bed. Ill come, too. It was what he said every night. Robins mother shook her head in amused despair. Listen to them, she said. Look at him, Bertha. Hes like a little prince surrounded by his court. How is he going to feel when hes grown and cant have transistorized sycophants to spoil him all the time? Bertha the robot maid nodded her own almost human head as she put the poker back in its stand. Thats right, Ms. Jackson. Thats right for sure. The Dancing Doll took Robin by the hand, making an arabesque penche of it. Now Robin rose. His guardsmen formed up and presented arms. On the other hand. Robins mother said, theyre children only such a short time. Bertha nodded again. Theyre only young once, Ms. Jackson. Thats for sure. All right if I tell these little cute toys to help me straighten up after hes asleep? The Captain of the guardsmen saluted with his silver saber, the Largest Guardsman beat the tattoo on his drum, and the rest of the guardsmen formed a double file. He sleeps with Bear, Robins mother said. I can spare Bear. Theres plenty of others. . The Spaceman touched the buckle of his antigravity belt and soared to a height of four feet like a graceful, broad shouldered balloon. With the Dancing Doll on his left and Bear on his right, Robin toddled off behind the guardsmen. Robins mother ground out her last cigarette of the evening, winked at Bertha, and said, I suppose Id better turn in, too. You neednt help me undress. Just pick up my things in the morning. Yes um. Too bad Mr. Jackson isnt here, it bein Christmas Eve and you expectin an all. H