Deathstalker 07 - Deathstalker Return

Logres. It's like something out of Lionstone's time!"
    People want what they want," said Brett, immersed in his private viewscreen again. "And as long as they do, other people will be right there, ready and willing to supply it to them. For a price."
    Lewis glared at Brett. "God, you depress me. I used to bust scumbags like you. Psycho killers in the Arena, alien porn… why do people want shit like that anyway?"
    Brett sighed and looked up from his screen. "Because, Sir Deathstalker, Sir Paragon, people always want what other people think they shouldn't want; things they can't have because other people say they shouldn't be allowed. Maybe especially in a Golden Age. Being civilized is hard work. The higher we rise, the more fun there is to be had in allowing yourself to fall. Honor and virtue are all very well, but they don't satisfy like a good old roll in the mud. You and Miss Flowers should understand that. She was engaged to be married to your best friend. You were the Champion, and she was going to be Queen. But you both threw it all away to be together. So here you are, Sir Deathstalker, on the other side of the law, with scumbags like me. How does it feel? Had any good insights yet?"
    "What we did," Jesamine said steadily, "we did for love."
    "Oh, love," said Brett. "Well then, that makes everything all right, doesn't it?"
    "Finn Durandal has to be fought," said Lewis. "He has to be stopped. Nothing else matters. And if I have to work with poor materials like you, Brett, then that's what I'll do. I'll make a hero out of you or kill you trying."
    "That's what I'm afraid of," Brett growled, and turned ostentatiously back to his viewscreen.
    Lewis leaned back in his captain's chair and pretended to study the comm panels before him. For all his professed confidence, he felt lost, abandoned, and very alone. So much of what he'd believed in had turned out to be built on sand. Or blood. The people he'd sworn to protect had disowned him and betrayed his faith in them by embracing madness and evil. He'd fought so hard to be perfect, for them.
    Surely he had the right to expect as much from them? And now here he was, a reluctant rebel against the very authorities he had once proudly represented.
    Deep down, he had often wondered what it must have been like, to be an outlaw like his blessed ancestor, the Owen. To fight, alone and heroically, against an evil Empire. He'd had his quiet, secret fantasies of putting himself to the ultimate test. To be a real Deathstalker. Well, now he was living out his dreams, and they had turned out to be nightmares. He'd become the rebel hero at last, but he'd never dreamed he'd have to give up so much. His oath of fealty, to King and Empire. The honor of being a
    Paragon, and then Imperial Champion. He had finally discovered the great love of his life, but couldn't believe how much it had cost him. He had betrayed and lost his best, closest friend, King Douglas. Lewis looked over at Jesamine.
    I have given up so much for you, my love. Don't ever let me regret it.
    Jesamine threw what was left of her protein cube away. It hit the cabin wall and bounced. Jesamine tossed her cup aside and folded her arms tightly. "That was disgusting! God knows how many times it's already been through recycling! I'd rather starve. There are convicted mass murderers on prison planets who eat better than this!"
    "What's the matter, diva?" said Rose. "Not used to slumming it with the real people?"
    "The food is disappointing," Saturday said mildly. "Where's the fun in food if it isn't kicking and squealing?"
    Everyone looked at him. "Can I just say 'Oh, puke'?" said Jesamine. "Alsoyech, and urrghl Someone change the subject now."
    "And can we please not talk about prisons?" Brett said plaintively. "This overcrowded tin can reminds me far too vividly of my one unfortunate stay in durance vile. It's making me distinctly twitchy."
    "We all know why you're twitchy," Jesamine said severely. "It's because you raided the medicine cabinet yesterday and took every pill and potion you could get your hands on. It's a wonder your brain cells haven't melted down and dribbled out your ears."
    Brett snorted dismissively. "Given the quality and dosages of stuff I've tried in the past, my system hardly noticed it. Besides, I needed it. I get very nervous. Really. You have no idea. And don't bully me! I'm having a hard time. I may cry."
    Leave the Random alone," Rose said calmly. "He may be small and useless, but he's