"A. R. Yngve - Argus project" - читать интересную книгу автора (Yngve A. R)

think small. The public doesn't click hits to small men with small
ideas. This is a big project I have in mind - you will understand
later."
"A question, Kansler," the deputy asked in a softer voice.
"Yes?"
"About 'heroes'... If one of our combat pilots becomes a war hero to
the public... won't the hits increase go just to him, and less to the
Fleet itself? Can we get the jurisdiction to, eh... 'tax' his credits
earned on our war?"
"I don't give a damn about the legal details and I don't care. Bring me
Clarke on the line."
The deputy, earning his wages, pushed the buttons that made the call to
Colonel Haruman Clarke of the Martian Security Force, stationed on


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Phobos. Ever since Mars won its partial independence from Earth rule,
the 2,000-man Security Force had watched over this new nation, ready to
squash any further attempts to "destabilize" the Solar System. At the
time, Clarke was on an Earthbound vacation - he hated Mars and would not
set his foot there.
"Reporting for duty, Kansler," the stern-faced colonel greeted his
superior. "You wish a high-level talk?"
The Kansler looked about himself; only the deputy and Boulder Pi were
physically present in the room, plus two of the Kansler's bodyguard
robots. A few cam-links to Earth were active, but the universal computer
indexes indicated that the public's attention was turned elsewhere - to
a sports event on Venus. The deputy made a questioning motion toward the
exit doorway; the Kansler merely shook his head.
"Colonel", the Kansler said with a little smile, "I have chosen you to
become the greatest hero in the history of war. Should you accept this
honor, you will never regret it."
He paused, and waited for the signals to travel back and forth between
Mars and Earth. Minutes passed. Finally, the on-screen image of Clarke
raised his eyebrows, but said nothing.
The Kansler continued: "Colonel, meet Boulder Pi. He's the Fleet's
chief cybernetics engineer who's going to make it happen. Mother Earth
needs a man a cut above the rest, who is prepared to become a cyborg."
When he heard the word "cyborg," a sneer of dislike crossed Clarke's
face - or it could be the sight of a Jovian mutant, standing next to his
commander, that disturbed him. Clarke's sneer arrived on the screen
after the Kansler had finished his speech, but he had stood still in
front of the camera the whole time - before and after. Clarke spoke few
words and radiated the patience of a rock, more than most Terrans were
capable of. Perfect, thought the Kansler. Of all my candidates I
couldn't have made a better choice.
"Don't be alarmed," the Kansler reassured him. "This is no ordinary
cyborg we're talking of..."