"What is it?"

"An AI’s defense system," the construct said, "or part of it. If it’s your pal Wintermute, he’s not lookin’ real friendly."

"Take it," Case said. "You’re faster."

"Now your best de-fense, boy, it’s a good off-fense."

And the Flatline aligned the nose of Kuang’s sting with the center of the dark below. And dove.