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Nas always told her she was too soft-hearted, especially when she told him about some special appearances she made for ‘ill’ fans. He’d doubted many were actually ill, especially when one of them posted what was supposed to be a private visit all over his social media. After that, she was bombarded with requests, most of which she was forced to decline.
“Shit,” Vujcec swore, his fingers flying over his console.
“What is it?” Ganesha demanded.
“The captain of that ship is broadcasting that he’s under attack. By cyborgs.”
“What?!” Taly gave Vujcec a disbelieving look. “He can’t possibly know you guys are on board.”
“He’s doing it because he hopes it will draw the attention of the military, and they’ll come to their aid. Jam their transmission.” Ganesha moved to stand next to Vujcec after he gave the order.
“All right, but it will take some time.”
Ganesha pressed a button to activate the comms. “Major, be aware there may be hostiles among the ship’s occupants. The captain is transmitting they are under attack by cyborgs.”
“Understood,” Ranvir replied.
“Vujcec, can you connect us with the other ship’s bridge? Visual and audio?” Ganesha asked.
Looking confused, he said, “Yes, but why?”
“Just do it and take our guys off the speaker.” He turned to Taly. “You’re going to talk to them.”
“What? Me?Why me?” Taly couldn’t have been more shocked than if he’d demanded she start singing.
“Because you’re the only onenotbranded,” he pointed to the CR on his cheek. “If they know there reallyarecyborgs on their ship, they’ll panic.”
“Shit!” That made sense, but what was she supposed tosay?
He must have understood her confusion. “Just tell them we’re here to assist and get them to stop broadcasting the message before the military shows up.”
Taking a deep breath, Taly moved back to the captain’s chair and sat down, her shoulders back and chin tipped in a classic pose she used on stage. She could do this. She was Gods damn Talyani. She’d stood confidently before millions. She could handle sitting before a cargo ship captain.
With a nod to Vujcec, the other bridge appeared on the main screen. It was utter chaos. Shouts, weapons fire, and shrill orders were tossed out.
“This is Captain…” she fumbled for a name. She knew she couldn’t use her real one, then nearly smiled when she knew which one to use. Luckily no one on the other bridge noticed. “Somerled. Reaching out to the captain of the ship currently under attack by pirates.”
A short, fat man appeared on their screen, sweat running down his face as he spun around from the door he’d been helping barricade.
“Thank the Gods! This is Captain Ju of the transport ship, Celerity. We need your immediate assistance, Captain. We’re being attacked.”
She nodded sagely. “Yes, I can see. Bypirates. We’re here to assist you unless you prefer we don’t.”
“What?” His eyes rolled crazily. “Why would I not want that? We’re a merchant vessel transporting merchandise and colonists to Gamma-2. We’re not equipped to repel pirates.”
She paused at his admission. “Then why are you transmitting that cyborgs are attacking you?”
He tugged at the collar of his shirt. “Well, it got your attention, didn’t it?”
Holding back a sharp retort, she said, “You will immediately cease broadcasting erroneous information, or we’ll leave you to your fate.”
Ju looked to his left, then moved his finger across his neck to someone she couldn’t see.
“They’ve stopped,” Vujcec whispered. “The major says they’ve reached the bridge.”
Taly gave a slight nod. “Our people are outside your door, Captain Ju. Let them in.”
“What?” Ju frantically looked from her to the barricaded door. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. Now open the door,” she ordered.
