Use of Weapons (Culture, #3)

by Iain M. Banks

“Assuming covert control-jurisdiction of single aircraft within range; confirm.” “Confirmed. And stop asking me to confirm everything.” “Control-jurisdiction assumed. Lapsing confirmatory instruction protocols; confirm.” “Good grief. Confirmed!” “Confirm protocol lapsed.”

He lay awake in the ceremonial bed in the palace, hands behind his neck. After a while, in the darkness, there was a distinct “pop,” and in a disappearing blue sphere of light there was a tiny machine about the size of a human thumb. “Zakalwe?” “Hi, Sma.” “Listen . . .” “No. You listen; I would really like to know what the fuck is going on here.” “Zakalwe,” Sma said through the scout missile. “It’s complicated, but . . .” “But I’m in here with a gang of homosexual priests who think I’m going to solve all their military problems.”