Alexander Outland: Space Pirate Read Online Free PDF Page A

to delay leaving, Captain Outland. You’re the only ship to survive a run-in with… whoever they are. That you’ve seen the attackers is wonderful in that we can, hopefully, gain some clues as to who’s been destroying ships in our solar space and perhaps ways to stop them.”
    “We have no magma on Herion, of course,” Nitin said. He looked supremely smug, like he’d trapped me into a corner.
    “So very true. We weren’t headed to Herion, we were going to Runilio.”
    “Why not Thurge? So much closer to Ismaliz.”
    “And, as I mentioned, those two planets aren’t getting along right now. We thought it would be more diplomatic to get the magma from Runilio. If that’s all right with you, Major.”
    “So, why come to Herion, Captain Outland?” Nitin still seemed
to think he had me over some imaginary barrel.
    “Well, it could have been because we were being attacked by a dozen nasty ships and wanted to head to the planet that supposedly was here to protect us.”
    Lionside nodded. “Nigel, really. Captain Outland did the right thing.” I wondered at this positive statement being sent my way, then realized Lionside was smiling back at Slinkie. Oh well, take the good whenever it hits you, as Great-Aunt Clara used to say, even if it hits you in the stomach.
    “Happy to help Herion Military out, but we also have to make money. Don’t get paid until we deliver, sort of thing.”
    Lionside nodded. “I’m sure you’d all like to rest and recoup. As long as we can call on you for more details, why don’t you join the rest of your crew and relax a bit.”
    “I didn’t see much of a crew,” Nitin said quietly.
    I stood and gave him a wide smile. “We like to travel light.” I helped Slinkie up. “I think it’s time for the Governor’s medicine.”
    “Yes. Bryant, see you later?”
    Lionside stood and gave her that little bow of his. “I’ll make it a priority.” He led us out. “Where will you be staying, Captain?”
    “I planned to sleep on the ship.”
    “Oh, no. New laws. I understand why you wouldn’t know them. Had to be put in place once these mystery attacks started. All visitors must sleep at an official Herion hotel of some kind.”
    “Convenient for the merchants.”
    Lionside shrugged. “It’s a bad business out there right now, Captain. Our trade’s been badly affected. I think you’ll find the prices very competitive now.”
    This was news. “How long have these attacks been going on?”
    “Six months. Long months, too, believe me.”
    “We just saw you at Io Station not two weeks ago.”
    “Yes. Military are having no issues getting in or out of the solar system. Only military can say this, however.” Lionside looked worried. “I know you have an order you want to fill, Captain, but I
can’t offer you escort. Which means, as soon as you leave Herion, you’re fair game for whatever’s out there. You were lucky once. Do you feel that you’ll be lucky twice?”
    “If you do something right more than twice, it’s skill, Major, not luck.”
    He chuckled. “True enough. But, truly, consider staying on Herion longer than planned. Maybe with what information you have, we’ll be able to stop the threat quickly and you’ll be able to leave safely.”
    “We’ll think about it.”
    Lionside gave us, well, Slinkie, the bow, then he turned on his heel and strode off. She stared after him. I kept on hoping he’d trip, but no such luck. He was a skilled strider.
    “So, how soon are you going to jump him?”
    “Nap, you’re such a moron. We need to find the Governor, fast.”
    “Why?”
    There’s a look that all men have seen from a woman, at least once in their life, and all women seem to come out of the womb able to do—the “you’re such an idiot” look. Slinkie was giving me that look, big time. “Because I think we’re in trouble.”
    “Oh. Right. I knew that. Why do we need the Governor?”
    She rolled her eyes, grabbed my arm, and dragged me off. “Because