Deathstalker 08 - Deathstalker Coda

Particularly people like us. And a pair of smart operators like us could make a real killing on a rogue planet like Mistworld. The Deathstalker and his gung-ho chums won’t miss us; they’ll be far too busy playing heroes. And with a whole fleet to boss around, Lewis doesn’t need us anymore anyway.”
    “I need them,” Rose said calmly. “I am a killer, and so must go where the killing is. Sex is nice, Brett, but killing has always been my first love. I have changed, but not that much. So I go where the Deathstalker goes—with or without you. And . . . I feel the need to see how this war with Finn is going to play out. My own small battles seem . . . insignificant, compared to being a part of destiny. We are Maze people now, Brett. We must learn to think in bigger terms.”
    “It’ll all end in tears,” Brett said miserably. “Probably mine.”

    Lewis took a call from Admiral Silence, asking them to come to the bridge, and he and Jesamine quickly got dressed. Lewis was ready in a few moments, but Jesamine refused to be hurried. If we’re going to be leaders of the rebellion, it’s important we look the part, she insisted. We want them to take us seriously, don’t we? Lewis went and busied himself unnecessarily in the adjoining bathroom. He didn’t trust himself to stay quiet under such provocation. Eventually Jesamine announced she was ready, and Lewis reappeared. He had to admit, she did look stunning. He said so, and Jesamine beamed.
    “I keep telling you, Lewis, I am always worth the wait. What do you suppose Silence wants?”
    “Maybe he’s heard something from Owen.”
    Jesamine pulled a face. “I really think you’re going to have to let that one go, dear. I very much doubt we’ll ever see him again.” She paused, considering. “What do you suppose will happen, when Owen finally finds Hazel?”
    Lewis shrugged. “You heard the strange person. Journeys end in lovers’ meetings. And they do say love conquers all.”
    “Only in very bad opera scripts, darling.”
    They left their cabin and joined up with Brett and Rose—who’d also got the call—in the corridor. They all nodded politely to each other, and headed for the bridge. Lewis gave Brett a sideways look.
    “So, looking forward to Mistworld, Brett?”
    “What? Oh, yes, of course. Absolutely. It’s my spiritual homeworld, really. A whole planet full of thieves and villains and people just like me.”
    “And I am looking forward to the war,” said Rose. “Where’s the fun of killing in ones and twos, when you can take on a whole army and just kill and kill and kill? . . . An orgy of death. I can’t wait.”
    Lewis had to smile at Brett’s expression. “Don’t look at me, Brett. She’s your girlfriend.”
    “I feel a cringe coming on,” said Jesamine. “Excuse me while I shudder.”
    Brett looked at Rose despairingly. “Can’t take you anywhere, can I? The sooner we get to Mistworld, the better. You know, there are supposed to be more of Random’s Bastards in Mistport alone than in the whole of the Rookery. My extended family, so to speak. My exalted ancestor really did put it about, if you believe all the claims—which mostly I don’t, as a matter of principle.”
    They got to the bridge to discover Admiral Silence arguing with the Havoc ’s new onboard AI. Apparently Shub had transferred the AI Ozymandias from the Hereward to the Havoc, where it had displaced the original AI. Silence was having difficulties coping with Oz’s relentlessly cheery personality.
    “Look, just plot a course to Mistworld!”
    “Oh, poo, where’s the fun in that? There’s a really terrific meteor shower only a few light-years away. You really should see it; it’s very educational. I mean, what’s Mistworld got, anyway? Snow and ice and fog and wall to wall scumbags. I say we go via the pretty route. You’ll thank me for it later.”
    “Oz,” said Lewis in a very firm voice.
    “Hi there! How do you like my new ship, Lewis? It fits much better than the last one. I’ve finally got room to breathe.”
    “Follow the admiral’s orders exactly, Oz. He speaks with my voice.”
    “Oh, all right. Humans just don’t know how to have fun.”
    Silence looked at Lewis. “You survived being trapped on a ship with that, for months on end? People have been awarded medals for less.”
    “You get used to him,” said Lewis. “It doesn’t help much, but you do get used to him. What’s up, Admiral?”
    Silence sniffed, and settled