"Michael Sweeney - Virtual Threat" - читать интересную книгу автора (Sweeney Michael)

to build or buy.
A sound from the other side of the hatch alerted him of the outsiders actions.
He could here the roar of the laser cutters as they sliced through the
titanium hinges. It was soon followed by the cry of bending metal and crashing
as the outer bulkhead fell away. Abruptly sparks flew out from the electronics
panel next to him. Pierce shielded his eyes from the glare. A zapping noise
cut through the air.
The smell of ozone stung Pierce's nostrils. He was surprised by the display.
Slowly his shock was replaced by smiling understanding. The emergency force
field had jumped to life. This protected the inner bulkhead against such
attacks. However, Pierce was sure it would not last against any further
assault. It would either drain its batteries or short circuit.
Pierce donned the helmet and gloves to his environment suit and stood ready.
Placing his helmet against the hull, he could just almost hear the enemy
jabbering in its foreign tongue. He could also here the frying of circuits
under extreme stress. Soon the burden would overload them.
Without warning, the circuits suddenly exploded. Flames erupted at Pierce's
back. He jumped forward and spun around. Simultaneously, the inner bulkhead
fell away and the dark ship was bathed in bright light. Blinded, Pierce pulled
the trigger of the plasma rifle. It jumped to life in his arms, gouging a
large hole in the ceiling. He quickly steadied the rifle and tensed his
finger.
A blue beam hissed from the hatchway and struck his leg. Pierce felt his leg
turn to rubber as he fell to the ground. Another shot struck him in the chest.
Inky blackness settled around Pierce as he fell unconscience.

"And then they just released me. That's all I know."
"The two other men in the room were quite sullen."
Though constantly trying to put Pierce at ease, they only increased his
anxiety. He glanced quickly back and forth between the two men. The large man
was sitting in a chair, not looking too comfortable. He had a pleasant bearing
and smiled frequently, as he was now. The other was tall and stood to the back
of the room. The tall one was gruff and military in tone.
Pierce squirmed slightly in his seat. It was suddenly quite hot in the small
room. While it wasn't an interrogation, he was still under pressure. So, after
trespassing in Martian space and trying to elude a Martian patrol ship, they
simply let you go? the taller one asked sarcastically. Pierce nodded. The
sitting one glanced at his standing colleague. I don't think this person can
be of much more help to us, Admiral. Better leave him be. he said. The tall
one stalked over from the corner and stood before Pierce. Pierce flinched
reflexively.
"While you were being questioned by the Martian captain, did you notice
anything strange? Any mentions of higher authorities?" the tall one
questioned. Pierce shook his head.
"No, sir. They just grilled me about the trespassing. he nervously glanced at
the sitting one. They didn't say nothin' about anythin' else."
The tall man paced back to his corner. The sitting man stood and smiled. He
motioned for Pierce to stand as well. Pierce stood fidgeting with his shirt.
"I'm am glad you were able to report this to us, Captain Pierce. We are
thankful for your information." said the large man. Pierce calmed slightly.