Читать книгу The Science Fiction Anthology онлайн

571 страница из 776

Grant went first to the Commissioner, who adopted a defensive attitude immediately, throwing up his hands.

“Don’t jump on me, now. It seems I am helpless. Ask Harmon yourself. There was nothing wrong that he could see.”

“That’s nonsense,” said Grant, “and you know it. No matter who it is, a ball will not smash into an awake player. It simply cannot be done. Even a novice can overcontrol his opponent at that range.”

“Right. It couldn’t have happened.” Sarcasm indicated the worry felt by Woods. “Damn it, Lane, that’s the way it is. Harmon watched like a hawk in his bubble. The dome was sealed; not a single leak. Slag’s second crouched behind the shield and never moved. I personally supervised Anthony’s examination. He was in perfect condition. The only thing yet to check is the ball, but the ball....”

“You have it? Never mind, no ball invented could do that alone. Tony could handle any ball, even without the new sensitive core. And in a hundred games every day, they don’t ever have this sort of accident.”