"Lawrence Watt-Evans - War Surplus 01 - The Cyborg And The Sorcerers" - читать интересную книгу автора (Watt-Evans Lawrence)

He stopped, hanging calmly in midair, and called out, "Slant of Tur! Are you down there?"

This was obviously for form's sake; Slant had no doubt that the "wizard" knew exactly where he was. He
said nothing.

"I know you're there, Slant."

So much for pretense, then; Slant shouted, "Go away!"
"Slant, I mean you no harm; none of us do. Listen, please! Let me talk to you! You're possessed by a
demon, a metal demon in your head; we saw it! You must come back to Teyzha so that we can remove
it! Only wizards can help you!"

Slant grinned to himself. The wizards really did seem to know then- business; they knew about the
computer hookup and called it a demon, did they? It sounded reasonable enough.

"Well, computer, what do you suggest? Should I go back?" he asked silently.

"Negative. High probability exists that removal of-'metal demon,' proper designation unknown, would
impair cyborg function and/or loyalty."

The idiot machine didn't even recognize that it was the demon, Slant realized. "I think it might be worth a
try."

"Negative. Such action would constitute cooperation with the enemy."

"That's ridiculous."

"Negative. Further conversation with airborne enemy patrol must be considered counterproductive,
increasing probability of enemy action against cyborg unit."

"Slant? Please, say something!" The breeze briefly parted the leaves, and Slant caught a glimpse of the
flying man's face; he was a very young man, and the cyborg thought he recognized him as the youngest of
the Teyzhan councillors.

"If I'm not supposed to talk with him, what should I do? Flee? He can probably follow."

"Negative. Standard procedures calls for elimination of airborne enemy patrol to prevent relay of cyborg
unit location or other data."

"He's just a kid! And he's one of the wizards you wanted to know about!"

"Irrelevant Please take proper action."

Slant recognized that phrase as one that warned of an imminent override if he continued to fail to
cooperate; reluctantly, he raised the gun and fired a warning burst in front of the hovering man.

The chattering roar of the gun tore through the quiet forest; bits of shredded leaves flew in every direction
like green confetti as the bullets ripped through the trees. Slant's ears rang when the roar stopped.