Dean Dean finds himself adrift in deep space after an unfortunate collision on the fold space highway. A chance discovery of an unusual artifact brings him to the attention of the feared Dedan Empire.
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"Come, let us talk," Mama Sitta said. "Consider this a truce. For the next thirty standard minutes, The Dead Pirate is neutral territory."
She turned and began walking back toward a nearby building that Grath had taken to be an abandoned warehouse before stopping to look back. "Well?" she said, seeing confused faces. "The clock's ticking."
Captain Dean and the Vazin turned to follow while Grath conferred with MAI.
"What do you think?"
[I think we don't have much choice. Especially because our favourite robotic companions have already made their own decision.]
"Phate!" Grath swore under his breath as he realised MAI was right. The two miceand robots were following the small group closely and he wasn't sure they understood the meaning of 'truce'.
It did give him an idea, however. If things went well, he might be able to rid himself of his unwanted companions. He tried not to think about what could happen if things went badly.
In the meantime, "MAI, contact Tal Garu with our current information and ask how he wants us to proceed."
[On it.]
"I hope this isn't a mistake," he said, jogging to catch up with the group.
[I thought you'd be used to making mistakes by now.]
"Not helpful, MAI."
* * *
If possible, the building looked even worse on the inside. He wasn't one to worry about GROPE scores, but he was quite certain a new scale would have to be created to adequately describe this cesspool.
"Let's get right to business," Mama Sitta said, as self-appointed mediator. Briefly, Grath wondered what she hoped to get from the role. It was unlikely she was doing it out of the kindness of her heart. "Would the two parties take a seat to either side of me please."
Captain Dean took the offered chair and motioned to the Vazin to join him on another.
"I'll stand, thanks," she said.
"As will I," Grath replied. Not only did he prefer to negotiate from a position of strength, but the chair was so disgusting he was concerned he might not be able to extract himself from its sticky surface.
"Suit yourselves," Mama Sitta said. "Now, let's begin with the Hotshot. Mr. Danum, was it?"
"Grath Danum," he said. Enunciating his name carefully so that any who had heard of him could respond accordingly. There was no reaction.
[Tough crowd,] MAI said. He ignored her.
"For the purposes of this parley, could you relay the specifics of your contract?"
"Certainly, although I'm sure you're away that I cannot divulge the holder of the contract."
