Один кусок«Domo arigato.» Sam’s dry voice rasped out the formal thanks. His attempt to rise and bow was stifled by a head shake from the doctor and a raised hand from Aneki. «I am unworthy of your attention.»
«Aneki-sama is the best judge of that, Verner-san. The doctor assures him that your datajack implant operation was routine and totally successful, but he wished to see for himself.»
At the mention of his new addition, Sam reached up to touch the bandages. His head did not register the touch, but his fingers could feel the hard lump on his right temple. He knew from the pre-operation interview what it was: a chromium steel jack designed to accept a standard computer-interface plug. The addition of the datajack was intended to increase his efficiency in handling computer files and accessing data. Sam would have preferred to continue operating through a terminal keyboard, but the corporation had mandated a datajack for someone of his position and rank. Sam had, of course, agreed.
И еще один«As you have had to abandon the planned route out, there is very little.» The Elf’s faint voice paused. «Perhaps one of the passengers is a rigger.»
Suddenly, Sam felt the group’s attention focus on him, all eyes on his datajack.
«What’s your name, boy?» Sally asked.
«Samuel Verner.»
«Well, Verner, are you a rigger?» the Amerindian demanded.
Should he lie? If he did, could the magician read his mind and know? Perhaps he could pretend to have trouble with the aircraft. If he could delay these brigands long enough, Renraku security would catch them. But surely not without a fight. Two people had already died for simply being in the way. Sam shook his head slowly. «It’s a datajack. I’m a researcher.»
«You ever flown anything?»
«Gliders. Used to have a Mitsubishi Flutterer.»
«Aneki-sama is the best judge of that, Verner-san. The doctor assures him that your datajack implant operation was routine and totally successful, but he wished to see for himself.»
At the mention of his new addition, Sam reached up to touch the bandages. His head did not register the touch, but his fingers could feel the hard lump on his right temple. He knew from the pre-operation interview what it was: a chromium steel jack designed to accept a standard computer-interface plug. The addition of the datajack was intended to increase his efficiency in handling computer files and accessing data. Sam would have preferred to continue operating through a terminal keyboard, but the corporation had mandated a datajack for someone of his position and rank. Sam had, of course, agreed.
Suddenly, Sam felt the group’s attention focus on him, all eyes on his datajack.
«What’s your name, boy?» Sally asked.
«Samuel Verner.»
«Well, Verner, are you a rigger?» the Amerindian demanded.
Should he lie? If he did, could the magician read his mind and know? Perhaps he could pretend to have trouble with the aircraft. If he could delay these brigands long enough, Renraku security would catch them. But surely not without a fight. Two people had already died for simply being in the way. Sam shook his head slowly. «It’s a datajack. I’m a researcher.»
«You ever flown anything?»
«Gliders. Used to have a Mitsubishi Flutterer.»