（外文电子版资料）Robert Reed - A Place With Shade.pdf

ROBERT REED A PLACE WITH SHADE The old man was corpulent like a seal, muscle clothed in fat to guarantee warmth, his skin smooth and his general proportions -- stocky limbs and a broad chest -- implying a natural, almost unconscious power. He wore little despite the damp chill. The brown eyes seemed capable and shrewd. And humorless. We were standing on a graveled beach, staring at his tiny sea; and after a long silence, he informed me, I dont approve of what you do, Mr. Locum. Its pretentious and wasteful, this business of building cruel places. Youre not an artist, and I think its healthy for both of us to know my objections to your presence here. I showed a grin, then said, Fine. Ill leave. I had spent three months inside cramped quarters, but I told him, Your shuttle can take me back to the freighter. Ill ride out with the iron. You misunderstand, Mr. Locum. His ham e was Provo Lei, the wealthiest person fora light-month in any direction. I have these objections, but you arent here for me. Youre a gift to my daughter. She and I have finally agreed that she needs a tutor, and you seem qualified. Shall we dispense with pretenses? You are a toy. This isnt what you would call a lush commission, and youd prefer to be near a civilized world, building some vicious forest for society people who want prestige and novelty. Yet you need my money, dont you? Youre neither a tutor nor a toy, but your debts outweigh your current value as an artist. Or am I wrong? I attempted another grin, then shrugged. I can work on a larger scale here. Im not someone who hesitates or feels insecure, but I did both just then. Ive had other offers -- None of substance, Provo interrupted. I straightened my back, looking over him. We were in the middle of his house -- a sealed hyperfiber tent covering ten thousand hectares of tundra and ice water -- and beyond the tent walls was an entire world, earth-size but less massive. Not counting robots, the worl