Нейромант

           Icepatternsformedandreformedonthescreenasheprobedforgaps,skirtedthemostobvioustraps,andmappedtheroutehe’dtakethroughSense/Net’sice.Itwasgoodice.Wonderfulice.ItspatternsburnedtherewhilehelaywithhisarmunderMolly’sshoulders,watchingthereddawnthroughthesteelgridoftheskylight.Itsrainbowpixelmazewasthefirstthinghesawwhenhewoke.He’dgostraighttothedeck,notbotheringtodress,andjackin.Hewascuttingit.Hewasworking.Helosttrackofdays.

           Andsometimes,fallingasleep,particularlywhenMollywasoffononeofherreconnaissancetripswithherrentedcadreofModerns,imagesofChibacamefloodingback.FacesandNinseineon.OncehewokefromaconfuseddreamofLindaLee,unabletorecallwhoshewasorwhatshe’devermeanttohim.Whenhedidremember,hejackedinandworkedforninestraighthours.

           ThecuttingofSense/Net’sicetookatotalofninedays.

           `Isaidaweek,’Armitagesaid,unabletoconcealhissatisfactionwhenCaseshowedhimhisplanfortherun.`Youtookyourowngoodtime.’

           `Balls,’Casesaid,smilingatthescreen.`That’sgoodwork,Armitage.’

           `Yes,’Armitageadmitted,`butdon’tletitgotoyourhead.Comparedtowhatyou’lleventuallybeupagainst,thisisanarcadetoy.’

           `Loveyou,CatMother,’whisperedthePantherModern’slinkman.HisvoicewasmodulatedstaticinCase’sheadset.`Atlanta,Brood.Looksgo.