"A. R. Yngve - Darc Ages" - читать интересную книгу автора (Yngve A. R)

ARC



In an instant, Vhustank searched his memory for the word "D. ARC" or "DARC", and found nothing of
importance. Vhustank made a quick decision.



"The object is named 'DARC' and appears to be harmless," he told his comrades. "Please help me lift
myself and DARC up to ground level."



As he spoke, Vhustank picked up the ropes that the others were hauling down the hole. He tied them to
some holes in the outer shell of the sarcophagus.



Surabot said: "I agree. Move quickly, dawn comes soon."



With no further objections, Avton and Lachtfot threw down another rope and lifted up Vhustank, who
was holding the ropes connected to the sarcophagus. Then, all four of them began hauling up the heavy
coffin. The strain on their motors and battery-cells was considerable, but within their limits; the
sarcophagus weighed much less than half a ton. When the sarcophagus had been lifted to the ground, the
robots positioned themselves along its sides.



Surabot said: "Commence collective lifting procedure... now."



In a smooth, mechanical parody of a funeral train, the four metal figures kneeled down and lifted the
sarcophagus onto their shoulders, then stood up. They walked slowly to the edge of the ruin, down the
shallow grass slope that covered the entrance steps of the former cathedral. Silently, the procession
marched along the grassy, desolate streets of the ancient city -- towards the waiting, unmanned aircraft
that bore the insignia of Bor Damon.



They marched up the loading-ramp, which folded up after them. The robots shackled the sarcophagus to
the floor of the cargo room, while Surabot took the pilot seat. He started up the vessel's jet engines. The
keel thrusters of the jet tubes screamed into life, pushing the streamlined aircraft slowly up, up -- rising
above the maze of ruined city blocks. The vessel turned its nose toward the glittering lights of Damon
City at the dark horizon, and roared off. The noise echoed and rolled along the ruins, waking up animals.
The night beasts howled and screeched in fearful response.
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