Free STAR HOUNDS -- OMNIBUS by David Bischoff, Saul Garnell Page B

more direct tack.
    “I want you to take me to Shortchild. I can arrange for recompense, Captain. And I promise to strike this kidnapping from your Federation record.”
    “Kidnapping?” Northern said, almost spewing wine all over the table. “We didn’t raid the
Ezekiel
to steal an arrogant, troublesome bitch!”
    “Might I remind you, Captain, that even verbal assault is an offense. I have a good memory, and this will be reported.”
    The first mate scowled, shook his head. “She seems to be falling back on the mind-screw methodologies of Federation officers, Captain. Sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
    The captain nodded and said, “Now, can we get to some realistic discussion? Being pragmatists, we naturally wonder, why we should even allow you to breathe our air after your frightful display!” Captain Northern hid a smile behind a napkin and coughed before resuming. “My first mate would be happy to be in charge of ejecting you into raw space. Wouldn’t you, Arkm?”
    First Mate Thur said, “It would be a pleasure, Captain. Lieutenant Mizel and I were very close.”
    This is all just too much, Laura thought, losing control of her temper.
    “Would you cut this goddamned mealy-mouthed crap!” she said, standing up and spilling her wine in the process. “You’re not scaring me. If you want your overripe wife back, Northern, you can go back and get her! That freighter’s gonna be just where you left it.”
    “We do not believe in suicide!” Northern said, matching her glare with his own. He then turned a scathing glance on Dansen Jitt.
    “And just what kind of money am I going to have to pay you to get me where I want to go?” Laura finished. “Ah! Now we get to where we want to be,” said the captain. “Dr. Mish, just what is the going rate these days for passenger transport aboard the
Starbow
?”
    Dr. Mish began to punch buttons on his board.
    “No, wait a moment. We have no great need of money, have we, Mr. Thur?”
    “Our treasury is quite healthy in all manner of currency—particularly GalFed currency, Captain.”
    “So. Laura, let me ask you a question. I understand that this little pangalactic jaunt is not official Federation business. I heard you tell Mr. Jitt that you are seeking your brother. Who and what is your brother, and have you any idea of where he may be?”
    So he
had
been monitoring her conversation with Jitt—she had thought there was something odd when the little man stayed to talk. Still, there was no reason not to tell them about Cal. “My brother is Cal Shemzak. He was captured by the Jaxdrons on a recent raid.”
    Dr. Mish blinked. “Shemzak. I knew I’d heard that name. Cal Shemzak! Of course. Your brother … Cal Shemzak is a Federation physicist, specializing in … ” His words trailed off as a manic gleam came to his eyes.
    Captain Northern turned his attention back to Laura. “You are a blip-ship pilot, according to your own statements and our good doctor’s sensor readings. You have a great many implants—your body must be one mass of scar tissue.” More quietly, he said, “Is that the reason for your drab coverall?”
    Laura smiled. “Federation surgery is quite sophisticated, Captain. I have a minimum of scar tissue. Do you want me to prove it to you?” One hand rested on the Velcro closure of her jump suit.
    Captain Tars Northern raised his eyebrows. “Sounds interesting, but no, we’ll take your word, I think.”
    Laura took her hand away from the fastener and relaxed fractionally, sipping her wine.
    Northern continued, “Our doctor here would very much like to meet your brother. Apparently he is familiar with Shemzak’s work. I’ve never encountered a blip-ship, wouldn’t mind having one on board for a while. Therefore I think we can strike a small bargain, Laura Shemzak.” He leaned forward with a smile that, if it weren’t so hard, might be termed “mischievous.”
    Laura well understood Northern’s interest in blip-ships. The XT