From the looks of it, a sentient stack of swashbuckling microwaves.

Did we already talk about this?
http://www.salon.com/entertainment/tv/feat…

If not, proceed.

It's the shameful love child of Max Headroom and a Dalek.

It's a server tower with arms and a sword.

It's a replicator gone all crazy after it misheard Takei's command, duh. "I said rum and coke, not cut my throat!!!"

Oh! I read the comments before clicking for the pic - what a surprise!

I have that book! It's pretty good! I would have said it was GREAT back in junior high, but I haven't read it in years, now - not sure if it'll hold up. It's sci-fi that doesn't spend much time on tech...character-driven.

The guy on the cover is a fencing instructor. He's fencing with his robotic assistant - basically a floating storage cabinet for his fencing supplies, with one arm built to hold an epee to demonstrate simple moves.

I recommend this book!