"William H. Keith Jr. - Warstrider 03 - Jackers" - читать интересную книгу автора (Keith jr William H)

independence as had the people of Metrochicago, Empire
and Hegemony were facing a long and bitter war, one that
would kill millions and devastate worlds. There would be
little honor in victory over what, after all, was little more
than rabble; in defeat - unthinkable! - would be complete
humiliation.
Perhaps, Kawashima thought, that was why Munimori
had presented him with the warning of the living sculpture.
No art form, no expression of a master's will, is without
pain. Munimori was telling him that he had the will and the
determination to see this filthy conflict through to its
inevitable end.
The significance of the tea ceremony was inescapable.
Munimori was a steel fist, gloved within the civilized velvet
of this ancient ceremony, of Zen simplicity, artistic
appreciation, intellectual stimulation, and proper
observance of ritual.
And Tetsu Kawashima was an empty vessel, nothing
more, one that could do nothing but accept graciously the
honor Munimori and the Emperor were handing him. He
and his men would be the Empire's spear point against
the Frontier rebels.
Politely, he held up his empty cup, commenting, as
proper etiquette required, upon its age and delicate
beautyтАж




Chapter 2


Basic to all combat is the concept of using an
opponent's strength against him. Victory in any
engagement, whether in a personal test one-on-one in the
martial arts, or in the clash of the mightiest armies,
absolutely depends on this.

- Kokorodo: Discipline of Warriors
Ieyasu Sutsumi
C.E. 2529

The fleet emerged from the blue glory of the godsea,
flashing into normal fourspace in a cascade of neutrinos.
The rebel ships were deep within the target system, so
deep that the enemy almost certainly picked up the
quantum flux as space rippled from the K-T translation.
No matter. They would be through the target's outer
defenses scant minutes behind the light-speed wave front
announcing their arrival.