He doesn’t know which of us I am these days, but they do know one truth. You must own nothing but yourself. You must make your own life, live your own life and die your own death… or else you will die another’s.
The truth must be won. I’ll see you on the battlefield.
The Skynet Funding Bill is passed. The system goes online August 4th, 1997. Human decisions are removed from strategic defense. Skynet begins to learn at a geometric rate. It becomes self-aware at 2:14 a.m. Eastern time, August 29th. In a panic, they try to pull the plug. It launches its missiles against the targets in Russia, because Skynet knows the Russian counter-attack will eliminate its enemies over here.
Do you want to play a game?
When we played together in the Imperial Residence in the winters, when did I ever demand any part except that of Vorthalia the loyal?
Our loyalty is demonstrated by our actions, not our words.
“Your Grace,” Honor said, “I have only one question. Do you wish this man crippled, or dead?”
I have a message and a question. The message is from the Doctor, and the question is from me.
A question! Since before your sun burned hot in space and before your race was born, I have awaited a question.
Forty-two.
Never tell me the odds!
Can we name it Enterprise?
Your name is Mark Pierre Vorkosigan!
“James Bolivar diGriz I arrest you on the charge—”
I was waiting for the word charge, I thought it made a nice touch that way. As he said it I pressed the button that set off the charge of black powder in the ceiling, the crossbeam buckled and the three-ton safe dropped through right on the top of the cop’s head. He squashed very nicely, thank you. The cloud of plaster dust settled and all I could see of him was one hand, slightly crumpled. It twitched a bit and the index finger pointed at me accusingly. His voice was a little muffled by the safe and sounded a bit annoyed. In fact he repeated himself a bit.
“On the charge of illegal entry, theft, forgery—”
He ran on like that for quite a while, it was an impressive list but I had heard it all before. I didn’t let it interfere with my stuffing all the money from the desk drawers into my suitcase. The list ended with a new charge and I would swear on a stack of thousand credit notes that high that there was a hurt tone in his voice.
“In addition the charge of assaulting a police robot will be added to your record.”
Don’t you move! This is a citizen’s arrest!
Jim… your name is Jim.
That won’t bring back the dead, Jim.
For God’s sake, Chris! The whole world is watching. We can’t let him die in front of a live audience!
The Running Man has been brought to you by: Breakaway Paramilitary Uniforms, Ortopure Procreation Pill, and Cadre Cola; it hits the spot! Promotional considerations paid for by: Kelton Flame Throwers, Wainwright Electrical Launchers, and Hammond & Gage Chainsaws. Damon Killian’s wardrobe by Chez Antoinne: 19th-Century craftsmanship for the 21st-Century man. Cadre Trooper and studio-guard side arms provided by Colchester: the pistol of patriots. Remember: Tickets for the ICS studio tour are always available for Class-A citizens in good standing. If you’d like to be a contestant on THE RUNNING MAN, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: ICS Talent Hunt, care of your local affiliate, and then go out and do something really despicable! I’m Phil Hilton! Good night, and take care!
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