"William R. Forschten & Greg Morrison - Crystal Warriors 2 - Crystal Sorcerers" - читать интересную книгу автора (Forstchen William R)

"Kiss my ass."

Younger made the mistake of trying to reestablish his authority.

"Come to attention this instant, Sergeant."

"Eat shit. Sir." Giorgini drawled the "sir" out as insultingly as possible, and continued, "You're a deserter
yourself, Younger. Don't even try and pull that bullshit officer crap on me. In fact..." he paused as the
decision he had been half mulling over crystallized in his mind, then went on, "I was an idiot to even come
with you. Mark is not only a better leader, but a better man. I'm going back."

Younger's first reaction was to raise his offensive crystal. Instantly Giorgini's shield snapped on to full
power and his offensive crystal was pointed at Younger's stomach.

"Lieutenant, that would be pretty stupid. How long do you expect to last without a shield?" Giorgini's
voice conveyed vast amusement.

Younger carefully lowered his arm. "Come on," he whispered smoothly. "You can't go back. They'll send
you to the mines as a deserter. Stick with me, buddy, it's safer."

"I'm not your goddamn buddy," Giorgini hissed. "You almost had me roped in. I let my hatred of the Japs
blind me to what a bastard you are. But I'll take the Japs to you any day. You thought I'd be your little
army and follow you around shouting yes sir, no sir, let me kiss your ass sir. I was an idiot to desert with
you. I'm goin' back and take my chances."

Younger's anger overwhelmed him and he started to raise his crystal again... only to freeze as he stared at
a sparkling offensive crystal pointed directly between his eyes from a distance of only five feet.

"Imagine what this could do at this range. Sir. Now why don't you crawl off to whatever cesspool you
were going to in the first place."

Younger's face contorted. "I'll get you," he snarled. "You're as bad as the Japs, you little guinea. I'll get
you some day."

"Come on Lieutenant," Giorgini laughed, "here and now."

Younger stood frozen for a moment, his features darkened with rage. Turning, he lifted into the air and
disappeared into the fog.

He was almost across the field when he heard Giorgini's booming laugh. "Hey Lieutenant--while you're at
it, why don't you take them gold bars of yours and stuff 'em up your ass!"

Giorgini stood on the crest of the hill smiling and chortling to himself. Ever since he had entered the Air
Corps he had wanted to tell some chickenshit officer what he could do to himself. Extending his
far-seeing skills, he tracked Younger as he disappeared eastward, toward where the shattered remnants
of Sarnak's army had disappeared. Finally he was lost from view.

Turning back, Giorgini continued his train of thought. Hell, Mark would stick up for him if he handled it
right. Christ, with all they had been through, a man could be excused a little battle fatigue. He'd be in the
doghouse for a couple of months, but come the next fight they'd have to let him back in and he could