Alien Bounty (24 page)

"Okay," McCade said, "let's take it nice n'easy."

As the marines moved forward, Reba slipped in from the side. Blue light stuttered out to lance through her body in a dozen places. McCade watched in utter amazement as she brought up her blast rifle and fired back. There was a double thump as two pirates hit the floor.

McCade ran forward and was there to catch her when she fell. White fluid spurted from the holes in her armor. He couldn't place it at first and then he could and didn't want to believe it. Holding her in his arms, McCade looked up at Neem, and when the Il Ronnian nodded, he knew it was true. Reba was, and always had been, a cyborg. As such she'd infiltrated the Brotherhood, been accidentally captured, and been reinfiltrated via her association with McCade. Her voice made a horrible rasping sound when she spoke.

"Sam?"

"Yes, Reba?"

"I'm sorry I lied to you."

"It's okay, Reba. I understand."

"Sam . . . are you really an Ilwik?"

McCade looked up at Neem and he nodded.

"Yes, Reba, I guess I am."

"Good," Reba rasped. "Then give me the prayer for the dead."

The words tumbled from McCade's lips as if he'd said them many times before. "You may leave this one, O holy fluid, for your work is done. She has lived fully, seen much, and served with honor. Now she journeys forth into a new land where you await. Our blessings go with her for she was one of ours.

"Was that okay, Reba? Did I say it right?"

But Reba was silent, her beautiful features frozen in a smile.

Neem pulled McCade to his feet. "It was more than okay, Sam. It was perfect. Now come on before Reba blows up and takes you with her."

McCade was leaning against a wall and looking the other way when Reba blew up. He was tired of killing, and tired of watching people die. No matter how hard he willed his body to move, it wouldn't go. He dimly heard Sergeant O'Hara give the all-clear and heard the marines spread out to search the stateroom.

Pong was gone, of course, having escaped along with two others aboard his yacht, but Neem found something of interest on the surface of the pirate's rather ornate desk. Pong had used it as a paperweight and, being of little intrinsic value, had neglected to take it along.

The object was made of purest crystal and shaped like a vial. Inside the vial a clear fluid could be seen. It was moving. With life of its own? Or in sympathy with the ship?

In either case the vial shimmered with light and threw a rainbow of color against the wall beyond as Neem picked it up and said a silent prayer.

With trembling hands Neem carried the vial into the adjoining room and to the place where the tired-looking human stood. Placing the vial in McCade's hands, Neem said, "The Vial of Tears, O holy one." And together the Ilwiks cried.