"Put it away, D," AJ said, nodding to his friend. Darnell’s mouth was hanging open and he had a glazed look in his eyes. He was aware enough, however, to slip his weapon into his belt, behind his back.
"My greetings to you, Earthlings." The speaker's voice was high, clear and unmistakably feminine. "I am Nak of Tok Prime, Captain of Swift Deliverance."
"Albert Jenkins," AJ said. "My buddy Darnell and this is Jayne. What are you doing here?"
"Your ship appears to be in distress, Albert Jenkins. I seek to provide aid," Captain Nak answered. "We happened to be in the area when the Korgul warship North American 292 conducted an illegal attack on a civilian freighter. Convention 4924 of the Galactic Empire codis instructs that as long as we provide adequate aid, we are allowed to seize said ships engaged in aforementioned illegal activity. Do you require aid?"
"My friend is ill," AJ said.
"I would speak with a qualified sentient," Nok said, dismissively.
"Qualified?" AJ asked, trying to hide how insulted he felt that humans were apparently unworthy of consideration.
Beverly appeared next to AJ. "Greetings and long life to you, Nok of Tok Prime," she said and bowed low, a courtesy Nok had not extended the humans. "We require transit to Tanderi, repair of our vessel, and restoration of our injured."
Nok bowed her head at Beverly's requests. "Ah, yes, 49231125-0-B. Greetings and long life to you as well. Repair of both crew and vessel, such as they are, are of course acceptable. Transit to Tanderi, however, is well beyond what is required by section 4924. Do you not agree?"
"It is as you suggest," Beverly said, nodding patiently. "I find it unexpected that you are unaware of outstanding bounties. I believe there is likely some demand for my return and that of my crew. While created some time ago, I believe the reward was quite significant."
"Bounty?" AJ whispered as Nok closed her eyes and lifted her hands, appearing to type with her tiny fingers on an unseen keyboard.
The smile that crossed Nok’s face was nothing short of predatory. "Of course, Princess 0-B, you will be delivered to Tanderi as specified by the bounty you reference. Please, ask Albert Jenkins to follow so that you might be provided every hospitality of my grand vessel."
"BB, Jayne needs help, and now," AJ growled, upset at Nok’s focus on Beverly.
"Captain Nok, I require that my host's companion is seen to immediately," Beverly instructed imperiously.
"The human shall receive the finest of care by our most skilled," Nok said with a dismissive wave. "The loss of a companion can be quite distressing. I'll take your entry into my ship as acceptance of aid and execution of contract under the provisions of 4924."
"Follow her, AJ," Beverly said.
"Gotta admit, there's some irony at being treated like raccoons by … you know … raccoons," Darnell chuckled in his deep baritone.
AJ balled his fists and fell in behind the short captain and Beverly, who floated next to her. Before they'd made it more than a few feet into the spotless white cargo bay, where the Vred shuttle now sat, a trio of Tok wearing white jumpsuits appeared, pushing a hovering slab in front of them.
"They will take good care of Dr. Jayne, AJ," Beverly said, recognizing that AJ was reluctant to put the inert woman onto the gurney. "It would be a breach of etiquette and potential break in contract if they did anything less than their considerable best. Do not allow their haughty attitude to distract you from the doctor's peril."
AJ nodded and placed Jayne onto the gurney. "I'd like to go with her," he said.
"No," Nok said. "I could not possibly allow it, what with royalty aboard."
"We require rest and nutrition," Beverly said, straightening. "I will communicate the details to your steward."
"Very well. Here he is now," Nok said as another Tok caught up with the captain and gave a slight bow. "Prepare accommodations for the princess and her companions and see to her needs."
"Yes ma'am," he answered and turned to where Beverly stood. "Alien accommodations are this way, if you will."
Where most of the hatches leading into the large hold were Tok-sized, there were a few that were significantly larger. "Just how big do your aliens get?" AJ asked, eyeing the door.
"In polite company, it is a companion's duty to remain silent," the man answered.
"I'm not polite," AJ growled. "And I don't mind demonstrating that fact."
The Tok gulped audibly and increased his pace. "The largest are the Bovi. An adult female can reach twelve feet in height and are uncomfortable in spaces less than six feet wide. And here we are." The Tok alien gestured to an eight-foot-tall door. When AJ placed his hand on the panel, it slipped aside, disappearing into the wall.
The room inside was comfortable, with cushions of various shapes and sizes and even a window looking out onto a starfield. AJ's breath caught as he approached the window and Earth came into view.
"She's a beautiful planet," he said.
"Earth is indeed a rare treasure," Beverly said, having changed back to her normal jeans and blouse.
"How is it that the Nok and the steward guy can see you?" AJ asked. "I assume you're doing all the translating for me."
"Their ship has projection technology," Beverly answered. "It is not as good as what you see, but it is good enough for communication."
"You're sure they'll take care of Jayne?" AJ asked.
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. "Enter," Beverly answered.
Two Tok men wearing light-blue jumpsuits entered, pushing carts filled with refreshments. Without a second look, however, they bowed and scurried from the room.
"What's their deal?" AJ asked.
"Maybe they think you're going to rip their arms off," Darnell said. "Remember, we're wild animals to them."
"That is a good read of the situation, Darnell," Beverly said, standing in front of a wall-mounted terminal and swiping at the screen.
"You don't need to do that for us, BB," AJ said. "We get that you can communicate electronically."
"I like to pretend that I have a corporeal body," she said. "Beltigersk often only pursue intellectual pursuits. That comes from being the smallest sentient species. Compared to us, the Korgul are giants. And even they can move things around."
"Is it true? Is there a bounty out for your crew? That you're some sort of royal?" AJ asked.
"It is true," Beverly said. "But don't be impressed with royalty. Most Beltigersk are related to royalty in some form or other. Because of our considerable intellect and lack of material needs, we have significant financial resources. It is common for Beltigersk to set bounties to ensure safe return on dangerous missions."
"Ohhhh," Darnell groaned as he spooned a sort of meatball into his mouth. "It's like chocolate ice cream and coffee meeting an Oreo."
"Anything like a beer over there?" AJ asked.
"I'll let you know," Darnell said as Greybeard joined him at the dining carts.
"So, what's the plan? We go to Tanderi and talk to that Galactic Congress representative?" AJ asked.
"No, that meeting has already taken place," Beverly said. "I have transmitted the information to Tanderi and spoken with representative Forknot directly. The ambassador was disturbed by the evidence gathered and is grateful for our service. He will present the findings to his subcommittee and request action by the Galactic Congress."
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. "Enter, please," Beverly said.
The door opened to reveal Jayne, looking dumbstruck.
"Doc?" AJ asked, running over to her and pushing away the Tok who'd accompanied her. "Are you okay?"
"It was incredible," she said. "Their medical technology. It's so … beyond."
"You're all fixed up?" he asked, guiding her into the room.
"Undoubtedly."
"We will be to faster-than-light in two minutes," Beverly said. "I suggest taking a seat. It can be disturbing for many species. It is very much so for Beltigersk. I will not be able to speak to you whi
le in FTL. As such, I would ask that you stay within the suite while I am indisposed. You will have difficulty communicating with the crew."
"I thought we had to make it to Mars," AJ said, walking Jayne over to the window and pointing at Earth.
"The Tok are highly advanced. Their technology is what allowed them to respond to my emergency beacon so quickly. They are also quite greedy. The captain was, no doubt, aware of the bounty on my crew or she would not have traveled so far to intercept us. I was counting on that."
"Okay. So, tell me this then. If you had your meeting, why are we still headed to Tanderi?" AJ asked.
"The bounty is quite real, AJ," Beverly said. "My people want me back. I will be detained and …"
The stars out the window slid to the side and Earth disappeared. Beverly flickered like a TV with bad reception and popped out of view.
"Well, crap," AJ said. "What are we gonna do now?"
"Sounds like our little princess might need some saving of her own," Darnell said, grinning.
"What do you say, Doc? You in?"
Jayne wrapped an arm around his waist and leaned her head on his shoulder as she stared out at the blurring stars. "You promised the stars and you delivered. How could a girl walk away from that?"
"Well crap. We're gonna need to make some plans then," AJ said, looping his arm around her shoulders. He just wanted to enjoy this moment. Things were about to change.
But of course, that's another story entirely.
About the Author
Jamie McFarlane is happily married, the father of three and lives in Lincoln, Nebraska. He spends his days engaged in a hi-tech career and his nights and weekends writing works of fiction.
Word-of-mouth is crucial for any author to succeed. If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review, even if it's only a line or two; it would make all the difference and would be very much appreciated.
If you’d like to receive an automatic email when Jamie's next book is available, sign up here. Your email address will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.
For more information
www.fickledragon.com
[email protected]
Acknowledgments
To Diane Greenwood Muir for excellence in editing and word-smithery. My wife, Janet, for polishing myriad rough passages so they are readable and kindly fixing my poor grammatical habits. I cannot imagine working through these projects without you both.
To my beta readers: Carol Greenwood, Barbara Simmons, Chuck Rivers, Matt Strbjak and Kelli Whyte for wonderful and thoughtful suggestions. It is a joy to work with this intelligent and considerate group of people. Also, to my advanced reading team, you’re a zany, fun group who I look forward to bouncing ideas off.
Finally, to Elias Stern, cover artist extraordinaire.
Also by Jamie McFarlane
Junkyard Pirate Series
1.Junkyard Pirate
2.Old Dogs, Older Tricks
Privateer Tales Series
1.Rookie Privateer
2.Fool Me Once
3.Parley
4.Big Pete
5.Smuggler’s Dilemma
6.Cutpurse
7.Out of the Tank
8.Buccaneers
9.A Matter of Honor
10.Give No Quarter
11.Blockade Runner
12.Corsair Menace
13.Pursuit of the Bold
14.Fury of the Bold
15.Judgment of the Bold
16. Privateers in Exile
17. Incursion at Elea Station
17. Freebooter’s Hold
Privateer Tales Universe
1.Pete, Popeye and Olive
2. Life of a Miner
3. Uncommon Bravery
4. On a Pale Ship
Henry Biggston Thrillers
1.When Justice Calls
2.Deputy in the Crosshairs
3.Manhunt at Sage Creek
Witchy World
1.Wizard in a Witchy World
2.Wicked Folk: An Urban Wizard’s Tale
3.Wizard Unleashed
Guardians of Gaeland
1.Lesser Prince
Junkyard Pirate Page 29
