Hell's army officers

by Andrew Komarowski

...To say he had them — Demons, Werewolves, captains MZ-shek, battleships and orbital fortresses. Chaotic, unprepared speech met such applause and shouts of delight that uneasy feeling transcendent of respect and love. Therefore, the moment when Ridley asked the audience permission to send officers to rest from emotion Semenov was the beginning of a little dizzy...

  — Crazy... — shocked commented on the events Williams. Never thought capable enough to dissolve the feelings of others...

  Contrary to my fears, to attack our other system departed in the Hyper squadron Cyclops decided not to. Whether lost in the downed cruiser someone from command, or deciding that the number of their ships are insufficient to quickly and effectively counter new tactics of the fleets of the Confederation. The report of the commander of the reconnaissance of the winder "Brisk" returning from the jump to the system Shannara an hour and a half after the festival in Greenfield, was short and informative: the bulk of the ships of the squadron returned to the place of permanent deployment.

  — We have four or five days to relax... — after hearing his report, sighed Paul Zabrodin. — Then they pulled up a sufficient number of sides of the inner regions of its territory and return. And then we have much worse...

  — What do you suggest? — grimly asked Igor.

  — Until then, until we begin to attack the internal systems, all of their available ships will graze on the Outskirts. Well, in the Metropolis. But if we drop a dozen other cars in the area of their interests, to protect each populated planet will be allocated power. And a lot of...

  — ...And here will be a little easier... supported him Helen.

  — Yeah... — I said. — And in the first RAID in the system of Shannara it would be good to dump right now...

  — And to sleep? — escaped Yasha.

  Vic is right... — grinned Helen. — Tired of not only we, but also Cyclops. And if you have a chance to catch them resting, you have to use it...

  ...Next week and a half passed in a continuous RAID. Once a day we definitely go to system Shannara, then jump to Covelo, atley or Velinde and slightly paulstown there, back to Lagos. Cyclops, are not accustomed to such rudeness on our part, is extremely slow to respond to the emergence of "Gyrfalcons" in their systems, and in the early days we managed to burn for ten or twelve sides. Usually, destroyers and cruisers. Then it became more complicated — each system has a units, a battleship hanging in the drift — watch. So, having dealt with the patrol, and after disposing of a couple of other particularly nimble assistants, we usually left. So how to fight with four or five dozen vengeful Cyclops in my plans not included. However, in order to slow down the pace of the training Cyclops to another invasion that was often enough — for the eighth RAID the number of vessels that met us in the system of Shannara, was four times less than the day before. A missing of it the court found three others: Cyclops appreciated the danger of our ships and decided to treat the defence of inhabited planets much more conscientious...

  A brief respite in the fighting benefited the entire Confederation — derived Iron Joe from the force, almost in all systems of the Suburbs ended the installation of the new orbital FORTS, and practicing their interaction with the fleets. Adjustments to training programs, tactics to counter enemy attacks were brought to each division HQs with enviable regularity. Though not without kinks: come down to the fact that some reviewers of Neoporte appeared on Lagos on the tenth day after the start of our raids, required testing and from us. Apparently, guessing that people who personally brought down such a number of enemy ships, to threaten still not worth it...

  ...Tired it's Not so much physically as emotionally — the last few days before the system for Lagos "Ivan the terrible" sleep was only in hyperspace. And only under the influence of BK-ashek: avalanche-like increase in the number of enemy ships in the system Shannara played on the nerves. So the first phrase is spoken to us Kharitonov built by him at the meeting, I realized immediately:

  — Tomorrow in Lagos will sit on Board with your new partners. Following the RAID system of Shannara you will make together...

  — For graduates of phase II of the Project a little early... skeptically snorted Williams. — Why so hurry?

  — It's not Demons... ' sighed the General. — The project is called "Zombie". The brainchild of General Belotserkovsky. I saw holofil with the passage of the obstacle on the range of planetary infantry. It is something incredible. I couldn't imagine that anything is able to move so fast...

  — And how do they fly? — jealously asked Irina.

  All. Only the basic course. They spetsializiruyutsya on ground operations and boarding...

  — As I understand it, the term "partner" means that they will fly in our "Merlin"? — I asked. What about their ability to withstand overload?

  — Judging by what they showed me, that they have no problems. It's not the people, and androids, the human brain in the body of the machine. The brain and its place in the ecosystem protected, and the rest of special care does not require...

  — Androids? Ira turned pale as a sheet. To live in an iron box and feel like a robot? The horror!!! And who agreed to this?

  I do not know. The details of the Project I, of course, not privy to. In General, your task will be fairly simple to drop them off on Board some battleship or transport and record the results...

  — Ask a question, sir? — somehow too formally asked Helmut.

  — Yes, of course...

  — If I understand correctly, fighters capable of resisting the Cyclopes, on the surface of planets the Confederation yet. And these Zombies is a pilot Project, in principle, able to occupy this niche. Then why do you not rejoice in such a prospect? Or have I misinterpreted your mood?

  Kharitonov, looking somewhere through Schwartz, paused, then once again sighed and murmured:

  — Have you ever wondered about the principles for selection of candidates for the project "the Demon"? Look at each other. Each of you is a person. A man with a strong civil position. And with clear principles guiding your behavior in any situation. The concepts of Duty, Honor, Patriotism and the like for you — not an empty phrase. That is, you, the most perfect weapons in the Confederation, does not need any control of everything you do, by definition, focused on its benefit. Agree?

  — Perhaps... — nodded Ira. And on reflection, smiled: — Although watch over us constantly...

  Custody is not controlling. Yes, we monitor your morale. To unimportant little things do not distract you from what you created. And do everything to the technology that was used in your creation, do not fall into the hands of those who will be able to apply them to the detriment of humanity. But this guardianship to protect the Demons from speculators from science, not the society of Demons. And most of these Zombies I don't understand. Impersonal device, closed at the commander with imprinting, do not even have names. Imagine a number, and the complete absence of any human qualities — and beyond speed of reaction, mobility and firepower. Something like a fighting dog. But theoretically, the command "take" can be directed at anyone! Okay, if this "someone" is the enemy. For example, the same Cyclops. And if the guide decides that the enemy is someone else? For example, his friend, co-worker or neighbor? Or, say, the population of the other planets of the Confederation? Presented? Here I am, too. And another thing I do not know the essence of those software frameworks that keep their identity inside the buildings. But I do know that they are there, inside, might not be sweet. Therefore, any breakthrough out the fact that there are hammered, would be a disaster...

  — Then why all this? — imagining such a prospect, shivered Ira.

  — I did not ask. General bila Tserkva positions the Zombie as the ideal soldier: quick, dangerous as hell and ready for anything, and absolutely controllable. And believes that the release of the captured Cyclops systems without Zombies is not enough...

  — So, will use them or not depends on us? — frowning, asked Semenov.

  — In many respects — Yes. I know what you're thinking.
But... it is not necessary: it is quite possible that I'm wrong and this Project is really necessary.

  — But, sir, our new suits and weapons allow to withstand the Cyclops and on the surface of planets! — protested the wolf. Yeah, we're not done adapting to the "Guards" and almost did not work with "Crosses" and "Castle", but those of their characteristics that I have seen, allow it!

  You nine people. And the next you need at least six months. If you believe Belotserkovsky, the preparation of one Zombie takes three and a half weeks. And costs six times cheaper. The conclusion is that you prefer to use, where your skill is really needed: in piloting warships.

  Rodriguez reacted immediately — trying to connect your comments to iskino office. And muttered something under his breath.

  — Deaf? Tell me! — frowned the General. — As I understand it, you should now be at the new Georgia! What arrived on earth?

  Problem. Lolita Shklovsky... — not looking up from her work, muttered the major, ' I was forced to send her to get an abortion...

  Was I that bad? — frowned Kharitonov.

  — Bad? Ramon jumped and stared at the chief. — What do you mean "bad"? It was awful! Worse than ever! An ordinary woman is not able to bear a child from a Demon! And I told her that!!!

  — Do not make a noise. Tell me from the beginning...

  — Yes what there to tell? — a barely audible muttered Rodriguez. — Prior to the implantation of eggs on the surface of the mucous membrane of the uterus was normal. But as soon as in a developing embryo have started to appear the rudiments of bone, muscle and nerve systems in the body Shklovsky began irreversible changes. Do you have any idea how much the body needs of the future Demon for the synthesis of what we put into it? Well, at least the modified bone? Or BC?

  — N-no... the details did not go... — he shook his head General. — And, if possible, spare me from too abstruse explanation, okay? Anyway, I don't know what's in your embryos, hormones and implantation.

  — Okay... — angrily raised his voice major. — In short, if very primitive, fetal development has its own laws. For example, in the fifth week of pregnancy the embryo should be determined rudiments of the head, hands, feet, tail, Gill slits. In the eighth, to face shape, different ear, nose, mouth. On the fourteenth should be visible not only limbs, but also the nails on the fingers. That is, its development predictable. But this is true of the embryo of a NORMAL person. And that began the second week of the embryo in the uterus Lola, or how quiet horror, not name. First, I went the structural changes in the genetic program of development of the placenta. In the cells of the immune system present in the endometrium and daidalos shell...

  — Stop! I do not understand! — killed the slave Kharitonov. — I asked — NO nonsense!

  — Yes is this nonsense? The child tried to rebuild the body Shklovski so that he could synthesize all the chemicals that were necessary for the normal development of the embryo. And at the same time he initiated the mutations that could change the mother's own image and likeness. Our attempt to suspend mutation Shklovsky to anything good has not resulted — at first the development of the fetus has slowed down, and then it actually went somewhere. And started to destroy the parent organism. In General, return the embryo to develop into the norm, we failed... — Ramon stammered, wildly looked at the chief and thought, continued: — Shklovski now in intensive care. And guarantees that it will be fine, I have no...

  — Maybe you should pass it through the Project? — gloomy, asked Kharitonov. — There is a chance that if she goes in all the changes that are needed to create a Demon, she'll bounce back?

  — We thought about it. But no chance: I can explain the reasons, but several technical and confusing...

  — It is not necessary. Believe in the word... Well, let's hope that the girl will be all good...

  With a girl? — freaked out again Ramon. — This girl is an idiot! She knew, and a year ago, what is the pregnancy the woman-Demon. In all the details. Starting with the fact that the process should continue for at least fourteen months. And ending with the fact that a normal woman is NOT ABLE to bear a child from modificata. And that experiments like the one she tried to make — suicide! The defense mechanism that she "could" get around, was invented precisely because of this! How could think up such nonsense?

  — I don't know... she put me before the fact...

  — Me too! And you know what she told me before I left? — frantically clenching and unclenching his fists, cried the major.

  What?

  — "But we now know for sure that if not we, then others will not work..." Nonsense!!! We already knew that!

  — Calm down. She's a grown woman, also a doctor, a scientist, and she made her choice. You people are nuts — trying to solve some interesting problem, often stop to think about its consequences. Especially if they relate to you personally... — sadly sighed Kharitonov. — Don't tell me I'm wrong...

  — Right... — dejectedly confirmed Rodriguez. — But I easier: Lola — a great specialist, and such carelessness on her part, I did not expect. Imagine when we began to block the mutation, she gave me a tantrum! Required "not to interfere in the process and give her a normal child"! You see, "to intervene in another experiment not ethical", "every normal man must respect the expectant mother" and "instead of having to disturb the fetus to develop, it is better to introduce necessary substances intravenously". Yes, I understand that hormonal changes affect the psyche of the expectant mother, but so much? She saw the readings of monitoring equipment! And could not understand that a fetus is killing her!

  Well, now we blow on the water... — sighed the General. — With this question I understand everything. You worried about something?

  Yes. I do not like the last reports on the psychological state of the Gomez...

  — I didn't notice anything... — alarmed the General. — If I'm not mistaken, after the visit, Lola had all returned to normal. Or not?

  Yes. For some time. And after the failed invasion of the Cyclops has been a very disturbing trend. I don't understand why and want to understand...

  — Maybe we need some time to ground him? Well, until you understand the reasons for...

  I don't know... — sighed Ramon. I will suit the entire unit with some routine tests on the basis of the obtained results will decide...

  — I'm afraid that today will not work: eighteen hours obligationson time in the system should float a transport with a "Zombie" General Belotserkovsky. About two hours will be spent on imprinting and around the same amount on the basic course of training. And at six in the morning we have planned a RAID to atley. McGregor demands results, and quickly...

  — What kind of fighters? And what's imprinting? — surprised looking at the chief, asked Rodriguez.

  — A-Ah! Yes, you do not know! exclaimed Kharitonov, — Now tell...

  ...Transport ship "Elbe" has emerged beyond the orbit of Lagos-eight and failing to properly Orient in space, immediately led the boosters in forced mode. But after a few seconds beside him appeared a scattering of the more minor points — four destroyers and eight fighter escorts.

  "It's great to be safe... — admired General. — As many as twelve sides support. However, now my Demons are not combat ships, and on Board of the same trough, I would have cared about them"...

  — Tower! I — Zet-one! Ask the boarding corridor to the square two hundred and six! — Hearing the voice of the General Belotserkovsky, Kharitonov nodded distractedly looked at his Manager and smiled: landing on this square of ships, not belonging to the unit of Demons or Werewolves of the Sixth fleet, was resolved only after the personal guidance of Colonel Ridley. Or captain Volkov. Or senior officers of SCD.

  — Z-one! I — Tower. Land in square two hundred and six allow... slight surprise in his voice said Manager and was disconnected from the shared channel.

  Throwing a glance at the label level Williams, moving in the direction of "Elbe", the General moodily tapped his fingertips on the edge of standby ter
minal: in spite of the optimism expressed by MacGregor about the prospects of joint operations of Demons and Zombies, and like Kurt Rommel, was tormented by doubts.

  "Okay, that's enough to hammer head nonsense! he thought and stood up from the chair. — We will solve problems as they arise"...

  ...Forty minutes taken the truck to get to Lagos or two and sit down, Kharitonov ran in the "Drop", trying unsuccessfully to delve into the next calculations Paul Zabrodina, Each proposal separately was very clear, but the overall picture of what is happening in the border with the Edge of the system did not appear. Apparently, due to the fact that the General could not manage to concentrate in the head constantly climbed extraneous thoughts distracting from the subject matter. Tormented until the moment when landing the transport wobbled on the landing supports, he irritably closed the file and got out of the boat.

  Sash hold of the truck opened damn slow: by the time between them seemed a retractable tongue of the ramp, Kharitonov was ready to rush inside of the ship and personally demonstrate the jerk to the operator the correct way to execute this operation. With great difficulty, holding himself in place, the General tried to escape, watching the actions of the four guys Tishkina, who took strategic approaches to the ship. And could not: an irrational feeling of hostility experienced by them to Zombies increased every moment.

  "That's it. It's time to calm down... he thought, waiting for the touch of the edge of the ramp of plastobeton. Otherwise I look like an idiot. Here's the "Merlin" Williams!"...

  Demons wait for landing "Elbe" in orbit, put your machine in style. And, hastily taking off the suits, jumped out. Apparently, to look at their future teammates, which they said the General. Noticed standing near the "Drops" Kharitonov, the three depicted Stroy I. when they reached the General, reported on the execution of the task.

  — Not the foolishness... — looking at their overly serious faces, said Vladimir Semenovich. — Also my job. Better tell me where the others are...

  — Pay the bill at the Horseshoe. Now will be here... in a while, grinned Williams. — Ate, sir!