[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
deference to their guest.
57
F814 (Cyborgs: More Than Machines)
Einstein?
Programming coordinates for the Milky Way. If they manage to follow, we should be able to lose
them in the interference of the dust cloud. Taking over navigation, Einstein announced.
Enemy vessel in sight. We ve been spotted. They ve sent a communication to the cruiser and are
arming their weapons.
As the situation heated up, Solus knew he needed to pay attention to the battle on the verge of
erupting, but he couldn t help watching F814. She sat in the seat beside him, a place offered up by
Einstein when they entered the bridge.
Einstein now sat at the secondary navigation console while Aramus manned weapons and Seth
watched the engine room and shields.
Despite her many claims that she didn t feel anything, he noted the way she gripped the armrest of her
seat. How she gazed, part rapt, part terrified, through the large viewing screen.
There is nothing to fear. I will get us out of here safely, he said softly as his hands automatically
flicked the correct switches while his mind, connected to the onboard computer, monitored the
situation.
I m not scared.
He directed a wry glance her way. Good to know. I guess you re just testing the tensile strength of
the fabric then.
Immediately, her hands let go and curled in her lap.
For some reason, instead of wanting to laugh at her evident false denial, he wanted to place his hand
on hers to offer comfort.
But, he still owned his balls, and moments from engaging with the enemy wasn t the time to get in
touch with his weaker, human side. He d beat it up later.
First, as Seth would say, he needed to kick some military ass.
58
F814 (Cyborgs: More Than Machines)
Then, he d get her dusty frame into a shower so he could see just what she looked like under all those
layers of grime, because in the stark light of the control pit, she looked like a black and white
caricature.
Scout firing.
Shifting vessel fifteen degrees to port, and then diving at a forty degree angle.
Enemy craft is matching our flight pattern, Einstein announced.
Of course it was, but Solus was just getting warmed up. While their craft was bulkier than the smaller
scout ship to maneuver, Solus possessed more piloting skills and tactics than any mere human could
hope to match. And, Aramus manned the weapons. The male excelled at taking down difficult targets.
Ready?
Anytime, Aramus replied.
Solus spun the vessel in an intricate series of loops that involved the asteroids around them. It
wouldn t lose the scout, but it did prevent them from getting a clear shot and eventually lined them up
just right.
Aramus didn t miss. The smaller vessel exploded into a cloud of debris.
Moments later, they were hailed by the larger craft which had yet to catch up.
Do we answer? Einstein asked.
Why not? Solus replied.
What of the female? Aramus reminded.
What indeed? Should he let the military know he d brought her with them? Or lie? His BCI calculated
a high probability that the military might tighten security around the remaining female models if it was
thought they might be compromised.
F814, Einstein will show you to your quarters.
You don t wish them to see me. She stated it as a fact, not a question.
I will explain why later.
59
F814 (Cyborgs: More Than Machines)
A human female would have probably argued or cried, they were really good at crying, but face
impassive, F814 stood and followed Einstein, not once looking back.
Solus knew because he stared at her as she left.
You are behaving in an erratic manner, Aramus snapped. Do not tell me you are falling prey to the
same malady that has taken our leader, Joe?
Of course not. I find her interesting because of her programming. Nothing more. Shall we see what
the human military has to say?
Solus opened the communication channel and leaned back in his seat, the image of insouciance.
A thin male, his features sharp and showing signs of age, filled the screen. Solus counted the bars on
his shoulders, four slim bars. A measly captain. How disappointing.
By order of the galactic military of the United Federation, you are ordered to halt your current
trajectory and prepare for boarding.
What a pompous command. Solus snickered. Not likely. The lips on the screen tightened, quite the
feat considering how thin they were to start with. You destroyed a vessel of the Galactic Fleet and
killed four of our soldiers.
You and your crew are under arrest.
Hey, Aramus. The captain here wants to arrest us for shooting down his scout. What do you say?
Kill them all.
Solus returned his attention to the screen and shrugged. I think my companion has the right idea.
I don t think you know who you re dealing with. Leaning forward, Solus growled. No, you don t
know who you re dealing with. I am cyborg. Solus noted with interest the lack of surprise on the
other man s face. But you already suspected that didn t you? Then you should also know there is no [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
zanotowane.pl doc.pisz.pl pdf.pisz.pl ocenkijessi.opx.pl
deference to their guest.
57
F814 (Cyborgs: More Than Machines)
Einstein?
Programming coordinates for the Milky Way. If they manage to follow, we should be able to lose
them in the interference of the dust cloud. Taking over navigation, Einstein announced.
Enemy vessel in sight. We ve been spotted. They ve sent a communication to the cruiser and are
arming their weapons.
As the situation heated up, Solus knew he needed to pay attention to the battle on the verge of
erupting, but he couldn t help watching F814. She sat in the seat beside him, a place offered up by
Einstein when they entered the bridge.
Einstein now sat at the secondary navigation console while Aramus manned weapons and Seth
watched the engine room and shields.
Despite her many claims that she didn t feel anything, he noted the way she gripped the armrest of her
seat. How she gazed, part rapt, part terrified, through the large viewing screen.
There is nothing to fear. I will get us out of here safely, he said softly as his hands automatically
flicked the correct switches while his mind, connected to the onboard computer, monitored the
situation.
I m not scared.
He directed a wry glance her way. Good to know. I guess you re just testing the tensile strength of
the fabric then.
Immediately, her hands let go and curled in her lap.
For some reason, instead of wanting to laugh at her evident false denial, he wanted to place his hand
on hers to offer comfort.
But, he still owned his balls, and moments from engaging with the enemy wasn t the time to get in
touch with his weaker, human side. He d beat it up later.
First, as Seth would say, he needed to kick some military ass.
58
F814 (Cyborgs: More Than Machines)
Then, he d get her dusty frame into a shower so he could see just what she looked like under all those
layers of grime, because in the stark light of the control pit, she looked like a black and white
caricature.
Scout firing.
Shifting vessel fifteen degrees to port, and then diving at a forty degree angle.
Enemy craft is matching our flight pattern, Einstein announced.
Of course it was, but Solus was just getting warmed up. While their craft was bulkier than the smaller
scout ship to maneuver, Solus possessed more piloting skills and tactics than any mere human could
hope to match. And, Aramus manned the weapons. The male excelled at taking down difficult targets.
Ready?
Anytime, Aramus replied.
Solus spun the vessel in an intricate series of loops that involved the asteroids around them. It
wouldn t lose the scout, but it did prevent them from getting a clear shot and eventually lined them up
just right.
Aramus didn t miss. The smaller vessel exploded into a cloud of debris.
Moments later, they were hailed by the larger craft which had yet to catch up.
Do we answer? Einstein asked.
Why not? Solus replied.
What of the female? Aramus reminded.
What indeed? Should he let the military know he d brought her with them? Or lie? His BCI calculated
a high probability that the military might tighten security around the remaining female models if it was
thought they might be compromised.
F814, Einstein will show you to your quarters.
You don t wish them to see me. She stated it as a fact, not a question.
I will explain why later.
59
F814 (Cyborgs: More Than Machines)
A human female would have probably argued or cried, they were really good at crying, but face
impassive, F814 stood and followed Einstein, not once looking back.
Solus knew because he stared at her as she left.
You are behaving in an erratic manner, Aramus snapped. Do not tell me you are falling prey to the
same malady that has taken our leader, Joe?
Of course not. I find her interesting because of her programming. Nothing more. Shall we see what
the human military has to say?
Solus opened the communication channel and leaned back in his seat, the image of insouciance.
A thin male, his features sharp and showing signs of age, filled the screen. Solus counted the bars on
his shoulders, four slim bars. A measly captain. How disappointing.
By order of the galactic military of the United Federation, you are ordered to halt your current
trajectory and prepare for boarding.
What a pompous command. Solus snickered. Not likely. The lips on the screen tightened, quite the
feat considering how thin they were to start with. You destroyed a vessel of the Galactic Fleet and
killed four of our soldiers.
You and your crew are under arrest.
Hey, Aramus. The captain here wants to arrest us for shooting down his scout. What do you say?
Kill them all.
Solus returned his attention to the screen and shrugged. I think my companion has the right idea.
I don t think you know who you re dealing with. Leaning forward, Solus growled. No, you don t
know who you re dealing with. I am cyborg. Solus noted with interest the lack of surprise on the
other man s face. But you already suspected that didn t you? Then you should also know there is no [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]