"Bunch, Chris - Last Legion 01 - The Last Legion 2.0" - читать интересную книгу автора (Bunch Chris)

'I want to learn how to do that,' the other recruit said in a low voice.

'Do what?'

'Melt 'em with a look like that guy did. Cheaper'n a blaster and not
nearly as convictable.'

Garvin extended his hand, palm up, and the other man repeated the
greeting.

'Garvin Jaansma.'

'Njangu Yoshitaro.'

Garvin considered the other young man, who was about his age and height,
dark-skinned with close-cropped black hair and Asiatic features. He wore
charcoal trousers and a pale green shirt. Both fit poorly and looked
cheap. He had a collarless wind-breaker over his shoulder. Yoshitaro
reminded Jaansma of an alert fox or hoonsmeer.

'Did anybody say where we're going?' he asked.

'Of course not,' Njangu said. 'Recruit scum don't get told shit 'til
they have to know it, which I guess'll be whenever we get where we're
going.'

'What about training?' Jaansma said. 'I enlisted for Armor. and so far
all I've done is polish toilets.'

The older man turned back.

'And that's all you'll do 'til you get to your parent unit. The
Confederation's got a new policy. They ship your young ass to your home
regiment, and let them whip you into shape.'

'That isn't the way it is in the holos,' Njangu said.

'Damn little is,' the man said. 'It's 'cause the Confederation's falling
apart, and they don't have time or money to take care of the little
things like they used to.'

'Falling apart?' Garvin said incredulously. 'Come on!'

Garvin had seen troubles in his wanderings, but the Confederation itself
in trouble? That was like saying the stars were burning out tomorrow, or
night might not follow day. The Confederation had existed for more than
a thousand years, and would no doubt exist for another ten thousand.

'I spoke clearly,' Kipchak said. 'Falling apart. The reason you don't
see it is because you're right at the center of things You think an ant