By the time we made it back to Intrepid, Roby, Jester Ripples and what looked like the entire gaggle of Norigans awaited, looking excitedly out at the broken ship.
“Liam Hoffen, please attach these cables to my specifications,” Jester Ripples said, handing me magnetic heads at the ends of cables that had been spooled out. A schematic of Larry showed precisely where Jester Ripples wanted me to connect.
A low-volume cheer bubbled through a small group of Norigans standing next to the industrial replicator built into the aft bulkhead of the cargo hold. A long part was spooling out into the confident hands of those assembled.
“We’re already making parts?” I asked.
“The design of the ship designated Larry is well known,” Jester Ripples said. “Larry’s failure is easy to diagnose, but we have limited time before arriving at Chitundu.”
I knew better than to question the Norigan’s resolve. They hadn’t stopped working on Intrepid since we’d been under sail and were running out of meaningful fixes to make. I’d even suspected that a few minor system failures had been caused, simply to give them something to pass the time.
I flitted out and attached the cable ends, returning to the deck as the ship was winched back onto the deck. Twenty minutes later, Larry was magnetically clamped inside the hold with five meters of its nose sticking through the pressure barrier.
“Roby, we’ll want to be underway in a few minutes. Please make sure Larry is secure enough for combat,” I said.
“You’re expecting combat?”
“Negative, but it’s not what I expect that worries me,” I said as Marny and I exited the cargo hold.
Marny gave me a quick look of approval and unexpectedly swatted me playfully on the butt. “You see, Cap, it’s all about training. When we first met, you’d have asked the same question as Mr. Bishop there. But here you are, all grown up.”
It seemed like all the women in my life worked hard to keep things confusing. There was no way I’d ever stray from Tabby, but it didn’t change the fact that I found Marny’s thick, muscular figure attractive and playful contact just brought that idea to mind.
“You’re naughty,” I said.
“Copy that, Cap.” Marny winked. “I’ll check in on our prisoners.”
I shook my head ruefully as I trudged up the incline to the main deck.
“Hiyas, Liam,” Ada said as I entered the bridge. “How bad a shape is Larry in?”
“I’m not sure it matters,” I said. “The Norigans are swarming it. Apparently, they’re bored.”
“Has Jester Ripples talked to you, yet?”
“I’ve talked to him a few times. Anything specific?”
“He wants to stay on Intrepid. He’s concerned you might not want him to stay, though.”
“What? Why in Jupiter would he think that?”
“He's afraid you feel like you might feel betrayed because he left before,” she said. “You need to reassure him.”
“I’ll talk to him,” I said, turning around and heading back to the hold. “Take us in to the Tamu gate. I’ll grab Jester Ripples and get the hold cleared just in case we run into trouble on the other side.”
“Fifteen minutes, Liam,” Ada called as I stepped out into the passageway, almost running into Marny and Tabby. I had limited time, so I smiled and moved past them.
“Where are you headed?” Tabby asked, jogging to catch up with me.
“We need to get the Norigans out of the hold until we’ve cleared the wormhole. The cargo bay is open to space. Not a good situation if there are enemies on the other side.”
“Copy that,” Tabby said, falling in beside me.
The scene in the forward cargo hold was even more chaotic than when I’d left it only fifteen minutes previous. It seemed like the Norigans had removed Larry’s every panel, cowl and cover, including the heavily mullioned glass of the cockpit. Jester Ripples was deep in it, with his thin blue arms fully embedded into control circuitry on the starboard side of the engine.
“Liam Hoffen, it is delightful to see you again. What a wonderful challenge you have presented us with.” Jester Ripples’ comical face beamed with excitement. “Are you here to help with our project?”
“Not directly. We’re going to transition through the Tamu wormhole and we need to clear the cargo bay until we know it is safe to be in here.”
“I will pass the word,” Jester Ripples said, not showing any sign of releasing his current project.
“I need this done in the next ten minutes. We’re headed toward the wormhole right now,” I said.
“Yes, this is clear, Liam Hoffen. I can see the beautiful wormhole growing larger upon approach. We will abide by your wishes.”
“There’s something else. I haven’t wanted to talk to you about this because I don’t like to pressure my friends.”
“There is no reason for friends to withhold conversation, Liam Hoffen. I trust you to be kind.”
“It’s just that … well …” I shook my head. I couldn’t believe the little blue alien amphibian had me so flummoxed. I cleared my throat and started over. “Jester Ripples. I’d like you to be part of Loose Nuts and stay on Intrepid. I totally understand if you want to be with your family, but you should know how the crew feels.”
This got Jester Ripple’s attention and he pulled his arms from the guts of the machinery and gripped my shoulder with powerful fingers. It was a familiar move and I adjusted so he could easily transfer. With his free hand, he pulled Tabby in closer. He had a surprising amount of strength in his thin arms.
“You are my family, Liam Hoffen and Tabitha Masters. I will stay with you.”
Chitundu station was a welcome sight as we pulled into orbit above Abasi Prime’s moon, Rehema. I had mixed feelings about Chitundu, as this was where Strix had seized Intrepid, ostensibly to force repayment for the mess we’d made when entering Tamu so many months ago. It had also been where we’d met new friends. It helped that I now knew Strix had virtually no relationship to the station or even the star system.
“Liam, we’re being hailed by Abasi command,” Ada said.
“Hoffen,” I answered.
“Ah, Captain Hoffen. Koman is pleased to greet our esteemed visitors.” An older Felio male showed on the screen. Unlike the warrior males I’d met, Koman’s fur around his shoulders and up his neck had been trimmed short.
“Pleasure to meet you as well, Koman.”
“I received your claim of privateer prize. I must say this is a most unusual circumstance and one that Koman has very little experience with.”
“I see. I believe the data-streams showing our adherence to the dictates of our Letter of Marque were included. Is there a problem with our petition?” I asked.
“I have cleared Intrepid for docking at A-Four. I humbly request a meeting with Captain Hoffen to resolve satisfactorily, the issues I have little experience with,” Koman said. My experience with Felio hadn’t prepared me for this small, nervous man.
“Copy that, Koman. We’ll be docked in twenty minutes.” I nodded to Ada, who was watching to make sure I was serious about moving forward.
“I await your arrival,” Koman said and I closed comms.
“That felt weird,” Ada said before I could say anything.
“Like he was afraid to talk to us, right?” I asked.
“Like he was peeing himself,” Tabby agreed.
I chuckled. “I might not have said it that way.”
Ada slid Intrepid into place next to the large, circular space station.
“I’ll come with you,” Tabby said. “Think we need to be strapped?”
“I wouldn’t,” Marny said. “The ‘A’ level is a reserved, governmental level. They might not appreciate weapons.”
“Ada, Marny, could you work on shore leave while we’re out?” I asked.
“How long will we be docked?” Ada asked.
“Sixty hours,” I said. “Our current arrangements are to meet the convoy in seventy-two. I haven’t
received coordinates, but the contract specifies they won’t be more than two hours on a Schedule-C burn.”
“We’ll get on it, Cap.”
“What do you suppose this is all about?” Tabby asked as we worked our way through Intrepid’s airlock and started crossing the catwalk joining us with Chitundu station.
“Mshindi Second gave us an expectation that we’d have to meet with a prize court to claim our prizes,” I said. “I think they’ve just never done it.”
Tabby palmed the security panel that would give us entry to the station. The hatch opened to a passageway that was appointed very much like the interior of an Abasi warship: spotless short dark-green carpeting with slightly squishy padding, light brown evenly-spaced raised ridges every meter along the wall and light blue carpeting on the ceiling. The design served two purposes. First, it reminded the Abasi of a forest. I didn’t see it, but then it wasn’t made for me. Second, in the case of gravity loss, Felio claws would have something to grab onto regardless of orientation.
“Captain Hoffen. First Mate Masters. On behalf of Mshindi First, the Abasi High Command and the Felio people, I welcome you to Chitundu Station.”
“A beautiful greeting, Koman,” I said. “I applaud you on your recall of our names and titles.”
“I would be eternally shamed if I were to embarrass friends of House Mshindi. Please, we will address the issues of importance in a more comfortable setting.”
We followed Koman around and through a series of passageways, finally arriving at the impressive entrance to Abasi High Command — or at least that’s what my AI translated the script over the wood-paneled entrance to say.
The room we entered was already teeming with Felio. Our presence quieted the group and while I recognized several House Mshindi representatives, they were Felio I had only a passing acquaintance with.
“You are invited to speak to our assembly,” Koman said, leading us to an ornate table that was too tall to sit behind, but comfortable for someone standing. Two worn bags sat on top of the table and when I peered in, they were both empty. The table was separated from a gallery of seats by a wooden railing. The assembled guests came forward to fill the chairs. The gathering reminded me of another time when Mshindi Prime had attempted to move several Abasi houses to intervene against the Kroerak and come to humanity’s aid.
Koman bowed and backed away from Tabby and me, leaving us in the middle of the room.
“What do you wish to know?” I asked, looking boldly out to the group, not singling anyone out, but also not dropping my eyes if I happened to make eye contact. It was rude to stare down a Felio and you were likely to be challenged if you did so. On the other hand, to look down was a sign of weakness. It was an uncomfortable dance, but I’d been briefed more than once on the importance of posture when addressing Felio.
“You have made claim of a ship to which you have provided the name Larry. There are many who feel House Mshindi’s actions were not warranted.”
With hands clasped behind my back, I looked to the male Felio who asked the question, focusing on his furry ears and not his eyes. He hadn’t asked a question, so I waited him out. Finally, he growled. “What do you say?”
“I agree. I claim the ship, Larry,” I said. “The pirate Belvakuski engaged in an unlawful attack on my ship. My crew destroyed Bob and we captured Larry.” I struggled not to smile at the stupid names Jester Ripples had picked. “Per our agreement with House Mshindi and Abasi High Command, we ask for remuneration for the full value of Larry or unhindered possession of same.”
“Why did you wait in Santaloo system after you approached Tamu wormhole?”
“There were two cutter ships sitting in ambush,” I said. “I didn’t believe they would attack Intrepid, as we are substantially larger. We waited so that Intrepid could take action once they provoked other ships.”
“You admit to proactively waiting to engage in hostilities?”
“As is encouraged by our Letter of Marque. We have been attacked every time we have transitioned from Santaloo to Tamu by Pogona pirates, specifically Genteresk. You will note that we neither took first shot, nor did we actively pursue any of the Genteresk ships. It was not until we were pursued and fired upon that we took action.”
“Your actions of waiting were provocative.”
“Do you speak for Abasi High Command?” I asked. “Do the Felio people really believe that watching known pirates is provocative? It seems like you don’t like the agreement, which it appears you haven’t read.”
“I speak for many and I have read much of this agreement and dislike it greatly.”
An angry murmur flitted through the crowd. I caught the eye of one from House Mshindi, who stepped forward. As she did, the room quieted.
“Badru, House Mshindi is within its right to extend agreement with Loose Nuts,” she said. “This agreement was presented to the council and approved. Our discussion is to determine if Captain Hoffen followed the agreement and how we might award a prize to he and his crew. Do you have objection beyond dislike of the agreement?”
“I lodge a complaint that Loose Nuts was the aggressor by awaiting silently. What do you say to this, Captain Hoffen?”
“I say you should read the agreement in its entirety. If you had, you would discover that the provocative action of not transmitting a transponder signal was enough for me to engage Intrepid with the cutters. The agreement is clear; we’re in trouble if we shoot first and Abasi High Command determines that the ship we attacked was about a noble purpose. If we are shot at, then we are absolved of responsibility. What I don’t understand is why you oppose this agreement. There are pirates sitting at your gates, preying on innocents. This can’t be good for anyone.”
“Perhaps Badru is annoyed because Loose Nuts is on the tongues of the merchants of Abasi Prime.” The voice belonged to a male whose uniform I didn’t recognize. “No captain has stared into Belvakuski’s eyes and caused her to look away. I offer that Loose Nuts be awarded the ship Larry. I ask for the confirmation of this assembly.”
For a moment, the room erupted in chaos and all that could be heard was shouting and yowling. I knew better than to do anything but stay put. Felio were impassioned people and we didn’t need a full-out riot.
It wasn’t until a very old Felio padded to the center of the room that everyone quieted. The male seemed to smile as he bowed slightly to Tabby and me. Wordlessly, he dropped a pebble the size of my thumb into one of two bags in front of us and walked out of the room.
It was as if a dam had broken and a steady stream of Felio followed suit, dropping pebbles of different sizes into the bags. Most of the stones ended up in the bag the older Felio had used, although there were plenty in the other bag.
Finally, the room was empty with the exception of Koman, Tabby and me.
“That was strange,” Tabby said. “Who was that old guy?”
“Council Member Simba,” Koman said. “He was once a very strong warrior. It is said that when he was young, no five could stand against him.”
“I give. What’s with the bags?” I asked.
“See how deeply this bag sits in the table?” Koman asked. He was right, as pebbles had been added, it had sunk about two centimeters into the grooves in the top of the table. “Your petition was upheld. Your words against Badru have set you as his enemy.”
“I have a way with people.”
Chapter 19
Overconfident
“What’s the word, Liam? Are we keeping Larry?” Ada asked as we re-entered the bridge.
“Don’t ever say humans are the only asshats in the universe,” Tabby spat before I could say anything.
“We lost the ship?” Marny asked.
“No, but Liam got grilled by a self-important jackass. He saved us by doing his normal talk-nice-but-point-out-the-facts thing. People just piss me off.”
I nodded. “There was a competitor in the protection gig. He was upset that we were getting so much attention after taking it to Gent
eresk. Apparently, word got back that we made Belvakuski stand down in addition to taking out two of her ships.”
“Frosty,” Tabby grinned. “You knew a conflict would raise our reputation.”
“Calculated risk,” I said. “Genteresk has been putting it to us regularly and we’ve had several close calls. I needed to send them a message that we’re off the menu. Bullies always choose the easy marks and now we’re no longer in that category. The fact that we’ve increased our value proposition at the same time seems like having cupcakes with frosting.” I finished my last statement by looking pointedly at Marny.
“Haha, okay, Cap. Message received. We haven’t had cupcakes for a long time. Maybe I can show Jala how they’re made.”
“Mostly kidding, Marny,” I said. “Although chocolate is my favorite.”
“About shore leave,” Ada said. “When can we start releasing crew?”
“We’ll need to re-dock. Can you find us something on C-Level? Also, I’m approving a prize payout based on our schedule. Would you see to moving that money?”
“Can do, Liam.”
“Are we keeping the fast-attack craft?” Tabby asked.
“That’s a discussion we should have. Market for that specific ship in good shape is one hundred ninety thousand credits. The Norigans kindly restored functionality and I think we could get just about that. On the other hand, we lack a decent atmospheric entry vehicle and Larry could fill that role.”
“Would you strap it belly-side like we did Hotspur?” Marny asked.
“Plenty of room for that,” I agreed. “An alternative is to buy a palette of rockets I have my eye on.” I flicked the specifications in an arc from my HUD to each of the bridge crew.
“Not exactly state-of-the-art,” Marny observed. “That’s a hell-of-a yield. Can that be right?”
“I queried the manufacturer,” I said. The stated explosive power was double that of missiles we’d previously carried. “They suggested that ever since the Kroerak war, the focus has been on punch at the expense of sophisticated guidance. The price is good, too. They’re ten thousand a piece or a palette of twelve is a hundred thousand even.”
Corsair Menace (Privateer Tales Book 12) Page 23
