For a moment everyone was quiet. Every few weeks they reconsidered what it would take to attack the Holster, but the numbers were always stacked against them. The place was protected by five gun towers perched high on a hill that could fire on incoming ships long before it would be possible for them to return the favor. It would take a fleet of hundreds and losses would be significant. With their small fleet, a direct attack wasn’t an option.

Even if a direct assault were an option, the harbor itself was lined with concrete breakers designed to stem the flow of traffic in and out. A series of tows on autopilot would have to be extremely lucky to make it through them into the harbor itself.

But they also knew that Lir’s fleet was too large for his harbor. At least half of his ships were outside the breakers, protected only by the firing range of the five gun towers. Perfectly positioned for a flock of armed tows.

The simplicity of the plan unfurled between them.

“We could send the tows in as a first wave,” Pisces said, tracking Caledonia’s thoughts.

“And be ready to drive in after the initial explosion,” Amina added. “Taking advantage of the confusion.”

“With their ranks reduced, we might stand a chance against the rest of the fleet,” Tin said.

And as soon as we’re inside the harbor, those gun towers will have trouble targeting us without destroying their own ships, Hime finished.

Caledonia let it all play out in her mind. They wouldn’t be able to control the path of the tows once they released them, so there was still an element of luck at play, but with enough tows, they could take down a third of Lir’s fleet without putting a single ship at risk. He’d still have her outnumbered three to one, but those were odds she could work with.

“I think we have a plan,” Caledonia said at last. “We’re going to attack the Holster.”

“Yes!” Nettle was bouncing again, likely already plotting how she would build the bombs.

“Not you, Nettle,” Caledonia said, breaking the girl’s enthusiasm in half. “I need you on soiltech. Amina, I want you on this.”

“There’s a man named Tipper in town who came in on a rogue ship not long ago,” Pisces added. “He has experience with bombs. If you can track him down, I’ll bet he can help with production. We’re talking about a lot more than fifteen silencers.”

“I will definitely need the help.” Amina absently ran a hand down Hime’s arm.

“I can track him,” Tin said. “I’ve got the manifest.”

“Great.” Caledonia couldn’t help but let the energy of the moment infect her. “We have a plan. Let’s get some sleep and then get to work.”