Silence encompassed the command deck.
“Ah, dear lady, there was a rigorous selection process, until I ended up with the finest crew the galaxy can offer. But if you’re interested, theMaracaibois always on the lookout for select personnel with the right qualities.”
“I already know what qualities of mine you’re interested in.”
“Well then it’s settled. You’re hired!” Jack enthused.
“I’d rather be marooned on an asteroid.” She gave him her best cutting gaze, sadly less effective aboard a pirate ship than during court dances on Palamar.
“Navigator, be so kind as to find us a suitable asteroid, would you?” said Jack.
“Yes, Cap’n.”
“Oh, please, Jacques or Jack or whatever your name is. You’ll do nothing of the sort. I know why you’ve kidnapped me.”
Jack once again draped himself lazily over his command chair. “Really? Do enlighten me.”
“You’re holding me for ransom, you horrid little thief.”
She stumbled back at a burst of laughter from the entire crew.
“Oh, my dear,” said Jack, wiping a tear from his eye, “thank you for that. But of course!” He snapped his fingers. “You haven’t seen your father’s broad-beam. Felipesegundo, do me the honor of playing the recording, will you?”
“Yes, Cap’n.” A furry creature at the comms station typed at his keyboard.
A rush of homesickness overtook her as her father’s face appeared on the broad screen.
“This is Lord Patron Comber, of House Gryffin of Palamar.” Even to Aria, her father’s tone held a shade of pomposity. “I am calling upon all law-abiding citizens of the galaxy to do their duty against an act of horrific piracy.”
The crew exchanged hoots and high-fives.
“A cargo of precious mandalum has been stolen by pirates en route from Palamar to Earth. This cargo, the fruit of years of careful mining work on the part of House Gryffin, represents the vital trade that is the lifeblood of our galaxy’s economy. It is incumbent on all law-abiding citizens to bring these malefactors to justice and to show these lawless pirates that they cannot hold trade to ransom.”
“Well, at least he doessaythe word ransom,” Jack murmured.
Aria could not believe what she was hearing. Would her father say nothing about her?
“These pirates have also kidnapped my daughter, who I demand be returned safe and sound.” It sounded horribly like an afterthought.
“Oh, there you are,” Jack said brightly. “Nothing about a ransom, though, I’m afraid.”
Aria brushed at her eyes, refusing to cry in front of Jack and his crew. “I’m sure that my father is expending every effort to find me.”
“Afraid not.” Jack shrugged. “Word on the wire is that he is offering a modest amount for the return of the mandalum, though Not enough because the Lord Patron is rather playing things on the cheap, but there you go.”
“You would say anything,” Aria said loftily. “You are a pirate, and your word means nothing.”
Jack’s eyes glittered. “That rather depends on who you talk to, milady. Those of your class would assert I lie as easily as I breathe.”
“You could have easily doctored that footage to dismay me.”
Jack rolled his eyes. “I suppose so. However, your father’s demand for justice has gone quite viral, if not for the reasons that he had hoped. Felipesegundo, perhaps you could give us a sampling?”
“Aye, Cap’n.”
Images of headlines and comment videos filled the main screen.
Comber Mourns Mandalum, not Missing Child.
