“Make sure to take good care of her,” said the Treb, who headed back to the buffet for seconds.
“Of course, my dear Treb! I would not risk your wrath,” answered Jack.
“Probably wise,” called the Treb over his shoulder.
Jack took Aria by the arm and led her out of the ship’s mess. “I love all of my crew, but Felipesegundo has a very special place in my heart.”
“I can see why. He was a joy to have as a companion for the afternoon. I must admit I underestimated him. He told me the story of his escape, and your rescue.”
“He did?” said Jack in surprise. “Felipesegundo must really have taken a shine to you. He’s not inclined to boast.”
“It didn’t sound like boasting,” said Aria. “Much more matter of fact. Is it true that he killed a slave overseer?”
“Trebs generally don’t lie, although I do wonder about that little rascal sometimes. But oh, yes, he killed that overseer. And a great number of the overseer’s enforcers. The place was like a charnel house when we got there. And in the middle of it, Felipesegundo standing there, covered in—well, he was an absolute mess.”
“Talk about appearances being deceptive,” said Aria.
“Aye, he’s an object lesson in that.” Jack led her into an elevator. “He’s a good judge of character. His friendship speaks well of you.”
“That’s one of the kindest acts I’ve experienced since I’ve been here.”
“And what’s another?” asked Jack, but Aria remained silent.
The elevator opened to reveal a large open area. Aria was truly impressed by the sweep of the command deck. TheMaracaibohad a sizable command crew, and for the first time, Aria got a sense of the true size and scope of the vessel. She took in the many operations that were going on simultaneously, from comms to navigation, from life support to tactical, and realized that Jack ran a substantial operation.
“Lady Aria, the command deck of theMaracaibo.”
“Captain on deck!” came the call, and the flight crew stood to attention.
“As you were,” said Jack with a wave, and they resumed their duties. Jack led Aria up onto the dais where his command chair sat.
“It’s super comfy”—he grinned, pushing on the seat for emphasis—“and there’s even a cup holder.”
Aria’s eye was drawn to a red button near Jack’s command chair, labeled “Distress,” with a clear cover over it.Could it really be that simple?This could be a golden opportunity to alert whoever was trying to find her—well, find the mandalum, but it was the same thing.
She positioned herself between Jack and the button. He was talking about the main screen, and she tried to listen to what he was saying while she concentrated on her placement.
“It’s marvelous,” he was saying. “Sometimes I just like to sit in the chair and watch the galaxy go by.”
“I can see why,” Aria murmured, reaching behind her to see if she could flip the cover up. It had some kind of latch! Could she unclasp it without even looking at it?
“So anyway, it makes for one hell of a turn of speed,” Jack continued.
Aria nodded. She had found where the latch was and was using her fingers to test its pressure. If she could just—
“Not really the same kind of crew complement you would get on a military vessel,” Jack was saying. Aria nodded.
There!The latch gave way and lifted. Aria continued to pretend that all her attention was on Jack as she leaned back slightly, pressing the distress button.
Suddenly, the speakers on the command deck made a sound. It was like the sound you heard on a game show when somebody lost.
Everyone’s attention went to Aria.What was going on?
“Whoops,” said Jack. “Quinn, I owe you twenty credits.”
“Yes, you do,” came a voice from right behind Aria.
Jack sighed and turned to the noblewoman, who stood frozen in place. “The button was a test, my dear,” he said, with a hint of sadness. “I did warn you of the consequences of mischief. Quinn, please take the lady down to her quarters and keep her there. Aria, I will deal with you later.”
