"Mack Reynolds - Computer War" - читать интересную книгу автора (Reynolds Mack)

lasting two months. Your Leadership is familiar with the state of the
treasury."

Marshal of the Armies Rupert Croft-Gordon, without being called upon,
said heavily, "The more mechanized modern warfare becomes, the more
expensive. Firepower increases geometrically every decade, but so does the
cost of keeping a man in the field."

Number One looked at him. He said, "We shall hear from you shortly,
Marshal Croft-Gordon."

The Marshal flushed.

Number One said, "Coaid Wilkonson, what does our geopolitician think
of the project?"

The nattily goateed Wilkonson was at home in any gathering, from
undergraduate students to the highest echelons of the government of his
land.

"The Presidor is already cognizant of the situation. Our planet is
divided into two major land areas and two major powers, Alphaland and
Betastan, and twenty-three minor powers. Geographically, we almost
duplicate each other, and, as all know, down through history this has led
to neither one being able to dominate the smaller nations. There has been
too delicate a balance. If Alphaland were able to bring its rival to its knees,
then the world government which Your Leadership foresees would become
an immediate reality. It is doubtful that even a confederation of the minor
powers could stand before our glorious march."

Temple Bishop Stockwater murmured unctuously, "Amen."

Ross Westley, conscious of his comparative youth, seldom spoke at
these gatherings. Now he shifted in his chair.

Number One looked at him. "And our Deputy of Propaganda?"

Ross said unhappily, looking at the last speaker, and then over at the
computer expert, "The figures deal with a quick war between Alphaland
and Betastan. What would happen if some of the neutrals, seeing the
handwriting on the wall, entered on the side of the enemy?"

"Well, Coaid?" Number One said to Graves.

Graves shuffled his papers again. "Of the twenty-three, the computers
reveal that only twelve could mobilize in time to affect the conflict. Of
these twelve, the computers report that four would favor our cause, four
favor that of Betastan, and four remain neutral. None of these twelve are
strong neutral powers. If the Presidor would like more details…"