Outbound Flight

"Andyou are. .?" Mitth'raw'nuruodo asked, shifting his glowing red eyes to Car'das.

Car'das opened his mouth- "I'm Dubrak Qe

"And you are. .?" Mitth'raw'nuruodo repeated, his eyes still on Car'das, a slight but noticeable emphasis on the pronoun.

Car'das looked sideways at Qe

"And these?" Mitth'raw'nuruodo asked, gesturing to the others.

Again, Car'das looked at Qe

Mitth'raw'nuruodo nodded to each in turn, then turned back to Car'das. "Why are you here?"

"We're Corellian traders, from one of the systems in the Galactic Republic," Car'das said.

"K'rell'n," Mitth'raw'nuruodo said, as if trying out the word. "Traders, you say? Not explorers or scouts?"

"No, not at all," Car'das assured him. "We hire out our ship to take cargo between star systems."

"And the other vessel?" Mitth'raw'nuruodo asked.

"Pirates of some sort," Qe

"Did you know these pirates?" Mitth'raw'nuruodo asked.

"How could we possibly-?" Qe

"Yes, we've had trouble with them before," Car'das interrupted. There'd been something in Mitth'raw'nuruodo's voice as he asked that question. . "I think they were gu

"You must be carrying a valuable cargo."

"It's nothing fancy," Qe

Car'das felt his throat tighten. The bulk of their cargo was indeed luxury clothing, but sewn into the filigree collar of one of the furs was an assortment of smuggled firegems. If Mitth'raw'nuruodo decided to search the shipment and found them, there was going to be a very unhappy Drixo the Hutt in theBargain Hunter 's future.

"You're welcome," Mitth'raw'nuruodo said. "I'd be curious to see what your people consider luxury garments. Perhaps you'll show me your cargo before you leave."

"I'd be delighted," Qe

"Soon," Mitth'raw'nuruodo assured him. "First I need to examine your vessel and confirm that you're indeed the i

"Of course, of course," Qe

"Thank you," Mitth'raw'nuruodo said. "But that can wait until we reach my base. Until then, resting quarters have been prepared for you. Perhaps later you'll permit me to show you Chiss hospitality"

"We would be both grateful and honored, Commander," Qe

"Of course," Mitth'raw'nuruodo said. "The base isn't far."

"Is it in this system?" Qe

"True," Mitth'raw'nuruodo agreed. "However, it will do no harm to tell you that it's in a different system entirely."

"Ah," Qe

"We've already left," Mitth'raw'nuruodo said mildly. "We made the jump to hyperspace approximately four standard minutes ago."

Qe

"Perhaps our hyperdrive systems are superior to yours," Mitth'raw'nuruodo said, standing up. "Now, if you'll follow me, I'll escort you to the resting area."

He led the way another five meters down the corridor to another door, where he touched a striped panel on the wall. "I'll send word when I want you again," he said as the door slid open.

"We'll look forward to further conversation," Qe

The two of them disappeared inside. Inclining his head to the commander, Car'das followed.

The room was compactly furnished, containing a three-tier bunk bed against one wall and a fold-down table and bench seats on the other. Beside the bunk bed were three large drawers built into the wall, while to the right was a door leading into what seemed to be a compact refresher station.

"What do you think he's going to do with us?" Maris murmured, looking around.

"He'll let us go," Qe

Car'das cleared his throat. "Should we be talking about this?" he asked, looking significantly around the room.

"Relax," Qe

"There was something in his eves and voice just then," Car'das said. "Something that said he already knew all about it, and that we'd better not get caught lying to him."

Qe

"Maybe there were survivors from Progga's crew," Maris suggested.

"Not a chance," Qe

"I don't know how he knew," Car'das insisted. "All I know is that hedid know."

"And you shouldn't lie to an honorable man anyway," Maris murmured.

"Who, him? Honorable?" Qe

"I'veknown quite a few honorable soldiers," Maris said stiffly. "Besides, I've always had a good feel for people. I think this Mitth'raw-I think the commander can be trusted." She raised her eyebrows. "I don't think trying to con him would be a good idea, either."