Грань будущего

           Onthehouse."

           "Saveitforthepenguins."

           Rachelfrowned.

           "Doesn’tthisrunthaveanythingtosayforhimself?"Hereachedonebig,meatyarmoverRachel’sshoulderandthrewajab.

           Ireactedinstinctively.SubjectivemonthsinaJackethadconditionedmetoalwayskeepmyfeetplantedfirmlyontheground.Myrightlegpivotedclockwise,myleftcounterclockwise,bringingmedownintoabattlestance.Iparriedhislungewithmyleftarmandraisedthelunchtrayinmyrighthandtokeeptheplatesfromfalling,mycenterofgravityneverleavingthemiddleofmybody.Racheldroppedthefriedshrimp.Isnatcheditfromitsgracefulswimthroughtheairbeforeitstailcouldtouchtheground.

           Theparryhadthrowntheguyoffbalance.Hetooktwototteringstepsforward,thenathird,beforetumblingintothelunchofthesoldiersittinginfrontofhim.Foodandplateswentflyingwithaspectacularcrash.Istood,balancingmytrayinonehand.

           "Youdroppedthis."IhandedRachelthefriedshrimp.Theonlookersbrokeintoapplause.

           "Fuckingpieceofshit!"Theguywasupalready,hisfistflyingtowardme.Hewasstubborn.IhadafewmomentstoconsiderwhetherIshoulddodgehispunch,launchacounterattackofmyown,orturntailandrun.

           Speakingfromexperience,astraightrightfromamanwho’dbeentrainedtopilotaJacketdefinitelyhadsomebite,butitdidn’tregistercomparedtowhataMimiccoulddo.Thisloser’spunchwouldbestrongenoughtoinflictpain,butnotamortalwound,unlesshegotextremelylucky.