"David Weber - Fifth Imperium 02 - The Armageddon Inheritance" - читать интересную книгу автора (Weber David)

How may any race spend such time 'pon war and killing and bring no new weapons to their task?"

"Unknown," the computer replied so calmly Colin grimaced. Despite Dahak's self-awareness, he had yet
to develop a human-sized imagination.

"Okay, so what do we know?"

"The data included in the transmission confirm reports from the arrays previously destroyed. In addition,
while no tactical information was obtained, sensor readings indicate that the Achuultani's maximum
attainable sublight velocity is scarcely half as great as that of this vessel, which suggests at least one major
tactical advantage for our own units, regardless of comparative weaponry. Further, we have reconfirmed
their relatively low speed in hyper, as well. At their present rate of advance, they will reach Sol in
two-point-three years, as originally projected."

True, but I'm not too happy about the way they came in. Do we know if they tried to examine any of the
other sensor arrays?"

"Negative, Captain. A hypercom of the power mounted by these arrays has a maximum omni-directional
range of less than three hundred light-years. The reports of all previously destroyed sensor arrays were
relayed via the tertiary phalanx arrays and consisted solely of confirmation that they had been destroyed
by Achuultani vessels. This is the first direct transmission we have received and contains far more
observational data."

"Yeah." Colin pondered a moment "But it doesnтАЩt match very well with what little we know about their
operational patterns, now does it?"

"It does not, sir. According to the records, normal Achuultani tactics should have been to destroy the
array immediately upon detection."

"ThatтАЩs what I mean. We were dead lucky any of the arrays were still around to tell us they're coming,
but I can't help thinking the Imperium was a bit too clever in the way it set these things up. Sucking them
in close for better readings is all very well, but these guys were after information of their own. What if
they change tactics or speed up on us because they figure someone's waiting for them?"

"Methinks thy concern may be over great," Jiltanith said after a moment "Certes, they needs must know
some power did place sentinels to ward its borders, yet what knowledge else have they gained? How
shall they guess where those borders truly lie or when their ships may cross them? Given so little, still
must they search each star they pass."

Colin tugged on his nose some more, then nodded a bit unhappily. It made sense, and there wasn't
anything he could do about it even if Jiltanith were wrong, but it was his job to worry. Not that he'd
asked for it.

I guess you're right." He sighed. "Thanks for the report, Dahak."

"You are welcome, Captain," the starship said, and Colin shook himself, then grinned at Jiltanith.

"Looking forward to sickbay, Tanni?" He put an edge of malicious humor into his voice as an anodyne
against their worries.