I replied, “Max has been hitting the culture pack. My compliments to her Captain, and tell him we are glad to get the trade goods.”
Sally asked, “Trade goods? What do you think they are hauling, Boss?”
“Look up Bastogne in the culture pack. They’re hauling NUTS!”
Just then, Sensors said, “I have more ships emerging. It’s the five we just let go.”
Ruth called, “Jumping to intercept.”
I said, “Scramble fighters when we emerge. Tex, don’t let those idiots hurt that ship.”
Sally said, “Scramble fighters, aye.”
Tex said, “Stop them before they hurt the ship, on it, Boss.”
I said, “Launch more drones. They wouldn’t have come back if they hadn’t cleared the other ones.”
Sally said, “Drones away, Boss.”
Tex said, “All five ships in reset, Boss.”
I said, “Get the Marines ready. These folks have some manual labor ahead of them. Have the fighters do a stunner pass.”
Sally said, “Marines to the landing bay, fighters stun the hostiles, yes, Boss.”
Topper said, “Boss, the General McAuliffe is requesting permission to come aboard.”
“Bring them in, Topper.”
Sally said, “Andre reports all hostiles collected.”
“Have him contact Morning Flower and see where she would like them delivered.”
“On it, Boss.”
“Sally, I’m thinking that was awfully easy, aren’t you?”
“Yes, Boss, I am. What do you propose?”
“Scramble Black Beauty. Let’s have a good look before we bring those ships aboard again.”
Sally said, “Black Beauty away.”
“That was fast.”
“Taz and Willum were aboard, waiting for your order.”
We watched the Marines pull away with their cargo of prisoners. Then Black Beauty started making her runs. It wasn’t long until Willum came on the comm. “Bob, I have bad news. Every one of these ships is rigged to blow as soon as it enters a gravity field.”
“Can you defuse them?”
“Maybe, but I’m not sure, and it would take a long time even if I could.”
“I’m guessing Steve wouldn’t be able to change that much?”
“Not to speak of, I wouldn’t think.”
“Get back aboard then. It must be time for Tex to get in some target practice.”
“Understood. We’re heading back.”
I asked Ruth, “Did Willum give you an idea of how big a blast those ships will have?”
“Yes, Boss.”
“Once they’re aboard, put us twice that far away.”
“Twice as far, yes Boss.”
I turned to Tex. “One shot per, bonus points for the biggest detonation.”
“One shot per, make it pretty, aye, Boss.” Tex started studying, I presume trying to figure out where he should shoot to get the biggest pop. By the time Ruth had us positioned, he was ready. He fed a course to Ruth, and she said, “Approved, and understood. Begin when you are ready.”
Tex pushed a button, and the ship began slewing around. I felt the mains kick five times, and we stopped moving. I said, “I hope someone thought to warn the other decks before we had all that fun.”
Sally said, “I gave the warning as soon as you said you were going to let Tex shoot them up.”
“Nicely done, Sally.” About then, the rounds started impacting. Tex had taken my instructions to heart. It was the Fourth of July in space. I said, “Fine job! I’ll double your pay.”
“Thanks, Boss, but twice nothing is still nothing.”
“What, you’ve got your eye on a lady bot you want to buy and set free?”
“Actually, yes, Boss.”
“Get with Dingus. He’s in charge of acquisitions.”
“Yes, Boss.”
Sally said, “Nicely done, Boss. Don’t you think the Squirrels will be miffed about their ships?”
“Not nearly as miffed as I am that those turkeys tried to kill us after they said they would leave peacefully.”
Sally said, “It’s been an eventful morning so far. I have a course for you in the ready room, but I’m afraid for you to go take it.”
“You handled the ship well when I was stunned. I don’t think there is anything to worry about.”
“Thanks, Boss. It means a lot to hear you say that.”
“What, you thought I didn’t trust you because I always want to have the conn when we have trouble?”
“I suppose. You have another reason?”
“I’m responsible for the ship and all aboard her. It’s my duty to be in charge when she faces danger. It’s also my duty to make sure you’re ready to step in, if I’m not able to perform my duty.”
“Thanks, Boss. I hope I’m up to standard.”
“From what I’ve seen so far, I’m the one who needs to worry about being up to standard. Your ship, I’m going to go try and learn something.”
“My ship, yes, Boss.”
I found Jasmine waiting for me in the ready room. I asked, “How long have you been waiting?”
“Sally just called me, Boss. If Gene hadn’t given me transit priority, you would have beaten me here.”
“I love this crew. Couldn’t ask for better.”
“Thanks, Boss. Now sit down and take your training like a good Captain. Flattering us won’t get you out of anything.”
“Can’t blame a fella for trying, now can you?”
“I suppose not.”
I woke up by myself, so I wandered back over to the bridge to see if anything had happened while I was out. Topper said, “Captain on the bridge.” I replied, “As you were. Sally, did you have any fun while I was getting educated?”
“No, Boss. Quiet as could be.” Just then, Sensors called, “Ship coming out of FTL. Has a Squirrel ID. No evidence of the transponder code we gave the merchant.”
Sally said, “Your ship, Boss.”
“My ship, aye. Ruth, Topper, give them a show. Tex, ready on drones and stunners.”
“Yes, Boss.” came out in a ragged chorus. Shortly, we were nose-to-nose with an older-looking Squirrel freighter.
Sensors said, “I see no weapons, Boss. They are powering down.”
