A few more sums. Hundred and fifty-five miles. Opal pinched her nose. It could work. Presuming they have both charges, the resulting explosion, even if not directed as we planned, may be enough to blow a crack in the wall. Its our only option. If it fails, at least we have time to regroup. As soon as they hit one zero five, send the detonate signal. Send it continuously. We may get lucky.
Merv flipped a plastic safety cover off the detonate button. Only seconds to go.
Artemiss insides were trying to force their way out through his throat.
This heap needs new gyroscopes, he said.
Holly barely nodded, she was too busy concentrating on a particularly tricky series of jinks and loops in the chute.
Artemis consulted the dashboards readout.
Were at a depth of one zero five now. Opal will be trying to detonate. Shes closing fast.
Mulch stuck his head through from the passenger section. Is all this jiggling about really necessary? Ive had a lot to eat recently.
Nearly there, said Artemis. The ride is just about over. Tell Butler to open the bag.
OK. Are you sure Opal will do what shes supposed to?
Artemis smiled reassuringly. Of course I am. Its human nature, and Opal is a human now. Remember? Now, Holly. Pull over.
Mervall tapped the readout. Youre not going to believe this, Op Miss Koboi.
The merest hint of a smile flickered across Opals lips. Dont tell me. They have stopped.
Merv shook his head, astounded. Yes, they are hovering at a hundred and twenty-four miles. Why would they do that?
Theres no point trying to explain it, Mervall. Just keep sending the detonation signal, but slow us down. I dont want to be too close when we get a connection.
She drummed her nails on the hand-held communicator left behind by the dwarf. Any second now.
A red call light flashed on the communicator, accompanied by a slight vibration. Opal smiled, flipping open the walkie-talkies screen.
Artemiss pale face filled the tiny screen. He was trying to smile, but it was obviously forced. Opal, I am giving you one chance to surrender. We have disarmed your charges and the LEP are on their way. It would be better for you to turn yourself over to Captain Short than shoot it out with an armed LEP ship.
Opal clapped her hands. Bravo, Master Fowl, what a wonderful fiction. Now, why dont I tell you the real truth? You have realized that the charges cannot be disarmed. The mere fact that I can receive your communications signal means that my detonation signal will soon penetrate your shields. You cannot jettison the explosives or I will set them off in the chute, exactly as I had originally planned. Then I will simply fire a few heat-seekers at your craft. And if you attempt further flight, then I will follow and penetrate your shields before you clear the parallel stretch. You are not in communication with the LEP. If you were, we would have picked up your broadcast. So your only alternative is this pathetic bluff. And it is pathetic. You are obviously attempting to stall me until the orebody passes your depth.
So you refuse to surrender?
Opal pretended to think about it, tapping her chin with a manicured nail. Why, yes. I think I will fight on, against all odds. And by the way, please dont look directly at the screen, its bad for my skin.
Artemis sighed dramatically. Well, if we have to go, at least well go on full stomachs.
This was an unusually cavalier comment to make with seconds to live, even for a human. Full stomachs?
Yes, said Artemis. Mulch took something else from your shuttle.
He picked up a small chocolate-covered ball, wiggling it in front of the screen.
My truffles? gasped Opal. You took them. Thats just mean.
Artemis popped the treat into his mouth, chewing slowly. They really are divine. I can see why you missed them in the clinic. Were going to have to work really hard to eat all we took before you blow us to smithereens.
Opal hissed, catlike. Killing you will be so easy. She turned to Merv. Do we have a signal yet?
Nothing, Miss Koboi. But soon. If we have communications, it cant be long now.
Holly squeezed her head into the viewfinder. One cheek was swollen with truffles. They really melt in the mouth, Opal. The condemned crews final meal.
Opal actually poked the screen with her nail. You survived twice, Short. You wont do it again, I guarantee it.
Holly laughed. You should see Mulch. Hes shovelling those truffles down his gullet.
Opal was livid. Any signal? Even now, with certain destruction only moments away, they were still mocking her.
Not yet. Soon.
Keep trying. Keep your finger on that button.
Opal unstrapped herself, striding through to the lounge. The dwarf couldnt have carried all the truffles and the explosives. Surely not. She had been so looking forward to a handful of the heavenly chocolate, once Haven was destroyed.
She knelt on the carpet, worming her hand underneath the seam to the hidden catch. It popped beneath her fingers, and the booty boxs lid slid up and back.