Nothing! Lucas tried again, with the same result. It hadfinally decayed. He had hated the damn thing, but of all the times for it to goout ….
“What’s your name?” asked Hollister.
Lucas swallowed hard. “Priest. Col. Lucas Priest.”
“You in command?”
“That’s right,” said Lucas. His mind was racing. but therewas no way out. The weapon in the S.O.G. man’s hand was dead steady. And deadon target. And what do I call you. Apollodorus?”
“Name’s Hollister. Captain. That was some job your peoplepulled off tonight. Took a lot of fuckin’ balls. My compliments, Colonel.”
“Thank you. Captain.” Lucas said. “I’m just sorry theymissed you. Mind if I ask how it went?”
“First-class operation,” Hollister replied. “Your peopletook some losses, but I’m afraid we lost. However, the war’s not over yet.”
Lucas moistened his lips nervously. There was no chance torush him. He’d be dead before he got two steps.
“It’s funny,” Hollister said. “I came here to prevent Caesar’sassassination and instead. I’m going to be the one who kills him.”
“Of course.” said Lucas. “Caesar and his wife are murderedin their bed. the Egyptians turn up missing. and Cleopatra gets the blame. Verygood. Captain. That’ll change the whole scenario. For a piece of last-minuteimprovisation, that’s not had at all. I don’t suppose there’s any way that Icould talk you out of it.”
“I’m afraid not, Colonel. I’ve got my orders. Sorry.”
“Hollister, wait.” said Lucas quickly. “Listen to me. Youcan’t ever go back again.”
“I know that.”
“I give you my word of honor as an officer and a gentleman thatif you surrender to me. I’ll see you’re treated well. And I’ll guarantee thatthe men we’ve taken prisoner from your unit will get the best of treatment.”
Hollister smiled. You know something. Colonel? I believeyou. And because I believe you. I’ll make you a deal. I know you’d be willingto die to stop me. but you’d never make it, so why die for nothing? You give meyour word that you’ll see my people are well treated and I’ll let you live.Sorry. but that’s the best I can do.”
Lucas sighed. “Damn you.” he said softly. “All right. you’vegot my word.”
“Thank you. Colonel. Now, just to make sure you don’t attemptany last-minute heroics, would you be so good as to lie face down on the floor?”
Lucas hesitated.
“Now. Colonel,” Hollister said.-Unless you want me to burn ahole in your kneecap.”
If I dive across the bed, thought Lucas, he might not killme with his first shot and I may have a chance to-
Hollister fired and Lucas screamed with pain as his legbuckled underneath him. He fell to the floor, clutching his kneecap and moaningin agony.
If it’s any consolation to you. Colonel, you never would’vemade it,” Hollister said. “I’m a dead shot. Remember, sir, you gave your word.”
He raised his laser and aimed it at Caesar’s sleeping form.
Whoosh, thwaack!
Hollister cried out as the weapon was struck from his handand clattered to the floor. The blackthorn walking stick whistled through theair once more and Hollister crumpled to the floor, unconscious.
Lucas looked up, grimacing with pain, and saw Dr. Darknessstanding over him.
“Got yourself shot again, I see,” said Darkness. cheer up.At least you didn’t get killed this time.”
EPILOGUE
“Feel up to some visitors?” the nurse said, smiling. Lucaslooked up as Finn, Andre, and Travers walked into the room. Forrester came inbehind them and the nurse left to give them some privacy.