“The accused has waived the right to an advocate. I know for a fact that you personally killed two TNA security officers, and your people have been responsible for many more deaths. The innocent people you pushed out airlocks were the lucky ones, weren’t they? The others lived long enough to wish they hadn’t. The crews of both your ships include known and wanted pirates. Piracy carries the death penalty under the regulations of the Trans-Neptunian Authority.”

“There is no more TNA, you stupid bitch.”

“Not much of one, true, which is why I’m authorized to act as arresting officer and judge both. I find you and your crews guilty. I sentence you to death. Drake, carry out the sentence.”

The queen smiled at her. “The station won’t fire on its own vessels, you moron. There are safeguards in place. We’re going to board you and cut you into little pieces and feed them to your friends–”

“I know Glauketas won’t fire on its own ships,” Callie said. “That’s why I wasn’t talking to Glauketas.”

The queen frowned, and then the screen went black.

“Targets successfully destroyed,” Drake radioed from the White Raven. “Two torpedoes, perfect hits. They never even saw us lurking behind the asteroid.”

“I hereby take possession of this asteroid under Article 18 of the TNA security code, regarding the seizure and repurposing of assets used in the commission of capital crimes. Or, if we accept that the TNA no longer really exists, we can just say we seize Glauketas as spoils of war. Everyone on the Raven, come down and pick out some rooms.”

Robin sidled up to Elena and whispered, “Damn. How turned on are you right now?”

Elena blushed, which was answer enough.

Callie drifted over and touched Elena’s arm. “Can we talk?”

Robin gave Elena a significant look and then went to join the celebratory conversation with Ashok and the crew. Ashok was already talking about rebuilding the pirate’s disorganized machine shop, and Stephen was on the radio asking about the medical facilities.

Elena was hoping their “talk” would involve less talking and more action, but then Callie crooked her finger and Lantern came hurrying after them. They went to the quarters Callie had claimed. She shut the door and they all floated around in a loose cluster. “What’s going on?” Elena said.

“We’ve still got a bit of unfinished business,” Callie said. “Lantern and I are going to the Liar base in the Oort Cloud.”

Elena nodded. She wasn’t surprised. “That’s going to be dangerous. But you know that.”