“I persuaded our friend here that the amount you would bring when ransomed would be a lot more than if you just got killed. That wouldn’t have been enough, but I also figured out a way to get us out of Tubal Last’s reach fast enough that we might actually have a chance to collect,” Milly said. “All we have to do is get on the Thing, tell it that special password again, and it’ll take us to Scourse and safety.”

“That’s absurd.”

Milly shook her head. “Nope. See, here’s something you don’t know about bioships. They can’t stay still too long. More than a few days, and parts of them start dying, deteriorating. So someone has to take the Thing out for a spin every once in a while. Last did it once, now he’s been letting favored lieutenants do it.” She pointed at Turo.

How had Milly been able to persuade him of the same thing Niko had been trying to talk him into? What promises had she made? What wasn’t she telling them? Atlanta said, “So how do we get aboard?”

“Disguise,” Milly said. “With these bracelets off and the right suits, no one will look twice at us. We’ll just be the two bodyguards Turo has accompanying him.”

Despite the easy tone in which Milly said this, Turo did not look particularly happy with the plan. He said, “You’ve made a promise that she’ll have to deliver on.” He wasn’t speaking to Atlanta, but rather Milly, who simply waved her hand and nodded.

“I’ll go get the suits.” He disappeared out the door.

“You’re going to leave the captain and the rest behind?” Atlanta asked.

“Kid, one thing that you need to learn is that in this universe, you look out for yourself first. Friendship and stuff like that is nice, but it’s optional when survival is up for grabs.” Milly shrugged.

“But she wouldn’t do this to you!”

“Wouldn’t she? Some of us you can say that about, but others you can’t. It’s the folks she’s had in battle beside her that fall into the first category. You and I are in the second. If you’re not one of them, you’re just a civvie and not worthy of much.” Milly clacked her beak in what sounded like laughter. “Little does she know.”

“Little does she know what?”

“You don’t need to understand.” Milly hopped to her feet and crossed the room to Atlanta. “And all I need to know is whether or not you’re going to cooperate with me.”