“I thought we agreed to cut the shit, Captain. Marce Claremont is currently on your ship under the name of Kristian Jansen, which is an identity the House of Lagos uses when it wants to smuggle someone off-system. You might want to inform your employers that they should change up their house identities more often than they do. You do have a Kristian Jansen on board, yes?”

“Yes, we do.”

“Good.”

“But there’s a problem.”

“Captain Blinnikka, I regret to inform you that if the ‘problem’ is Claremont is also in small pieces, I’m going to be required to do the same to your ship.”

“What does that mean?”

“That means that I either get Claremont alive, or make the Yes, Sir dead. Those are your options.”

“We would take you with us,” Blinnikka said.

“No, you wouldn’t. Now, what is the problem with Claremont?”

“He’s not dead. But he is currently in a medically induced coma.”

“Why?”

“Because he was in the corridor with your ‘associate’ when the bomb went off. He and several other crew members were trying to interrupt your friend. He survived. Two other crew members didn’t.”

“Condolences, Captain.”

“You just threatened to destroy my ship and kill my entire crew, Captain. Your condolences are hollow.”

“Understood. Can Claremont travel?”

“We can hand him off to you alive and stable. Everything else is up to you.”

“Agreed. We will come alongside in three and a half hours. We’ll have a shuttle ready to transfer him.”

“No. We’ll send a shuttle to you.”

“Captain—”

“None of you are setting foot on my ship. You want him, fine. I’ll give him to you. But we’re coming to you.”

“Then I want you on the shuttle for the handoff. As assurance you’re not sending a shuttle-sized bomb.”

“Not me,” Blinnikka said. “I’ll send the owner’s representative instead. That will suit your purpose. And a medical staffer. They stay on the shuttle, you send in your own people to take Claremont out of it. Everything done in ten minutes maximum. Any longer and we’re going down together, whether you believe it or not.”

“Done. We’ll inform you when we’re ready to receive you. Red Rose out.” The connection was cut.

“Thanks for volunteering me, asshole,” Kiva said, as soon as the connection was wiped.

“The ship is underway,” Blinnikka said. “I’m in command now, Lady Kiva. And I need you to do this thing. So shut up and do it, ma’am.”

“Fine.” She pointed at Marce. “And you’re coming with me. Congratulations, you just got promoted to the medical staff.” She looked over at Blinnikka. “Okay?” Blinnikka nodded.

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Marce said.

“You don’t get a vote. And you also told Pinton you were willing to help. Stop whining like a fucking child.”

“You could have just said, ‘I need your help.’ ”