"Richard Hatch - Battlestar Galactica 02 - Warhawk" - читать интересную книгу автора (Hatch Richard)

Caprica."

"Yet you are here by choice, to escape the CylonsтАж" Apollo had
countered.

"That was nearly twenty yahren ago," Gar'Tokk growled. "We were
offered an escape and we took it. Now we wish to determine our own
future. And we will. Humans are lesser creatures. You have no right to
hold us."

Of course, in Apollo's mind was the knowledge that the Nomen could be
vicious killers when they set their mind to it. At best, they were
uncooperative and flagrant in their disregard for law and authority.

But Gar'Tokk's words had the ring of truth to them. This bothered
Apollo. The Nomen ought to pay for what they'd done, but he had to
wonder if those events would have taken place had they been given their
sovereignty long ago. Still, there had to be some kind of justice.

"You were citizens of the fleetтАФor at the very least its guestsтАФ when you
committed the crimes we are holding you for. We have every right. And as
far as lesser creatures, well, you are our captives, aren't you?" Apollo had
asked.

He hadn't meant to taunt, only to reason. But he saw the immediate
effect his words had had on Gar'Tokk. The Nomen leader's protruding
brow had creased in anger, leathery lips drawing back to reveal sharp
fangs. The matted hair on Gar'Tokk's head seemed to stand up a bit.

"I challenge you, then," Gar'Tokk had said. "In the arena. You and I in a
battle for the right to control the destiny of the Nomen. We will see who is
the superior race."

Apollo had raised his eyebrows and stared at Gar'Tokk for several
seconds. The offer had stunned him. Though Gar'Tokk was obviously
certain he would winтАФand after all, he was far more vicious and powerful
than ApolloтАФwhat he had suggested was extraordinary. For, if Apollo
should win, the Nomen's code of honor would demand that they become
nothing less than model citizens of the fleet.

Conversely, however, if he declined Gar'Tokk's challenge it would be the
gravest of insults, only compounding his words of moments ago, which
Gar'Tokk had already taken as insult. The Nomen would go berserk.
Apollo had once seen a Noman in a rage over a breach of honor. Though
he had been completely outnumbered, and the only result would be his
death, the Noman had attacked in a frenzy. Honor was more important to
the Nomen than life itself.

"What else can I do?" Apollo repeated.