"Simon R. Green - Deathstalker - 4 - Deathstalker Honor" - читать интересную книгу автора (Green Simon R)

tech."
Owen dropped into the seat beside her and quickly studied the tactical displays. Main
shields were still holding, but they were taking a hell of a battering. There was some
damage to the outer hull, mostly superficial. The Hadenmen knew how to build a ship.
"This shouldn't be happening," he said finally. "The Hadenmen assured me we could
stand off everything up to and including an Empire starcruiser."
"Should have got it in writing, stud," said Hazel, smiling briefly as one of Valentine's
satellites exploded under her guns. "Maybe Valentine made a deal with the Hadenmen
too. Or he's been talking to Shub. Or even the aliens. Selling out all Humanity for

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Simon R. Green - Deathstalker 04 - Deathstalker Honor


simple personal gain is exactly the kind of thing you'd expect from Valentine Wolfe.
Either way, we are in over our heads and sinking fast. Suggestions of a practical nature
are urgently invited. Also prayers."
"To hell with trying to fight it out," said Owen. "Throw as much power as you can into
the shields and get us down fast, Oz. Hopefully the satellites are only programmed to
hit things in a predetermined area. Once we've dropped below their response level, they
should leave us alone. And then let us all hope Valentine hasn't also invested in some
ground defenses."
"Sounds like a plan to me," said Hazel. "Can I make the landing?"
"No," said Owen firmly. "Let Oz do it. I've seen your landings, Hazel."
"Spoilsport."
The Sunstrider II plunged screaming through the atmosphere, wreathed in flames, until
finally it fell out of range of the satellites, and the attack cut off. Owen and Hazel
braced themselves for ground responses, but there were none. Apparently Valentine had
expected his souped-up satellites to be all that was needed to discourage visitors. With
any other ship he'd probably have been right. Oz finally eased off the steep descent and
searched out a landing spot not too far from the Standing. Owen allowed himself to
relax a little.
"It would seem Valentine has powerful new allies," he said thoughtfully. "I wonder
what other surprises he has in store for us."
"Something nasty, no doubt," said Hazel. "Knowing Valentine. But we can handle it."
"Don't get cocky," said Owen. "Valentine hasn't survived this long by leaving anything
to chance. He must have known I'd be coming after him once he set up shop here. He
must have madeтАж preparations."
"There's nothing he can throw at us that we can't throw right back at him," said Hazel
calmly. "I could have handled those satellites eventually, if you hadn't chickened out.
Nothing can harm us anymore, Owen. Not after all we've been through."
"Cocky," said Owen. "Definitely cocky. It'll all end in tearsтАФ"
He would have said more, but navigation chimed discreetly, alerting him that the
Sunstrider II was coming in for a touch down. Owen and Hazel studied the short- and
long-range sensor displays carefully, but the ship landed without incident. Oz made
them wait while he ran through his landing checklist.
"Air quality, tolerable. Cold for the time of year, but within acceptable limits. No life

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Simon R. Green - Deathstalker 04 - Deathstalker Honor