Gabriella and Nigel both realized the truth in what he said as he began to laugh again, a hideous keening wail of a laugh that knew no pleasure, only madness.
Epilogue
Gabriella stood outside the enormous stasis chamber, while the survivors of the battle forced their prisoners to free the captives held in veined, transparent pods.
Nigel appeared in a doorway and crossed a catwalk to speak to her. “Apparently Medea escaped,” he said. “During all the confusion, she boarded a skyfighter and piloted it herself. We picked it up on the ship’s sensors, but it was too late to stop her.”
Gabriella shook her head regretfully. “She’s probably aboard the Paris Mother Ship by this time.”
They both watched as newly awakened human captives were ushered out of the stasis chamber. Now there were many more humans to handle the Visitor prisoners and to learn about the great London Mother Ship. It would be an invaluable
weapon in the seemingly endless battle against the Visitors, this mighty spacecraft.
Nigel turned away from the pleasant scene below them.
“What is it, Nigel darling?” Gabriella asked tenderly.
“I can’t forget that I saw Father die and was powerless to stop it.”
“I’m feeling rather chipper for a dead man.” It was a familiar voice that came from behind them.
They both turned in amazement to see Lord Smythe-Walmsley standing before them.
“Father!” Nigel gaped.
“You recognized me.” He reached out to shake his son’s hand.
“Is it really you?” Nigel asked.
“Yes, and none the worse for my captivity.” Lord Smythe-Walmsley smiled. “You see, my boy, they made a clone of me with which to fool you.”
Weeping, Nigel embraced his father.
“I’ve come to take you home, son,” Lord Smythe-Walmsley said. “Both of you.” He hugged Gabriella.
“It’s a wonderful idea,” she said, “but there’s a war to fight now, Sir.”
“Yes, there is, dear Gabriella, but it will keep for a little while.” He looked at her soberly. “At least until the two of you are married.”
All three of them embraced then, joyfully.
V 13 - To Conquer the Throne Page 13
