Free Syndicate's Pawns by Davila LeBlanc Page A

add your toes to her collection of collected body bits, but I would imagine you are quite relieved.”
    Loc swallowed hard, his eyes wide and not too certain if Domiant was joking with him or not. “Yes, thank you for the proper motivation, sir,” he stammered nervously. Domiant was pleased to see this; at least one member of this infernal crew of misfits respected his authority. Even if it was purely fear based.
    Domiant looked to the view screen and admired the world in front of them, a beautiful gas giant, its gasses a mixture of blues, greens and purples. Also visible on the view screen was their prey. And it was now Domiant’s turn to breathe a sigh of relief.
    The ship orbiting this unknown world in the fringes of explored space was certainly far larger than the Althena , but it was not a capital ship. No, this vessel looked like a large double-­edged spearhead. Two gravity rings rotated on both ends of the ship. Twin mobility drives were located at the ship’s helm. Even from the view screen Domiant could tell that one of them had suffered some sort of serious damage and was under repairs. Two shapes were presently hard at work doing just that. The Covenant’s logo was drawn along the side of the ship and a large J–13 was painted in black at the head.
    Jinxed Thirteenth, I see you.
    â€œShe’s a Sunderlund-­built solar sail vessel, sir.” Loc’s unsolicited words were welcome. “Good for deep-­space and scouting ops.”
    â€œWhat more do you know about this ship?” Domiant asked, his voice uncharacteristically respectful. An ignorant student always had to be respectful to the teacher. This was a lesson his mother had imparted on him early in his life and one Domiant had always taken to heart.
    Loc was also visibly shocked by this and licked his dry lips before scratching his red beard and continuing. “They can usually hold about thirty to forty crew members. Most of them are equipped with whisper drives. And if that shape makes you think of a sea ship it’s because this particular model is capable of breaching atmospheres and landing in bodies of water. The stellar sails are retractable and they power the slipdrive, which . . .”
    Loc’s words trailed off as Domiant gave his shoulder a silencing squeeze. “I wanted to know what your thoughts on the ship in front of us were, not receive a lesson in engineering.”
    He nervously looked from Domiant to the Jinxed Thirteenth . “From what I can tell there aren’t any weapon systems outfitted to her. She’ll be impossible to safely pilot with only one operational mobility drive.”
    â€œThey’re also broadcasting on the emergency frequency,” Mikali interjected quickly. “Play the message, Jerkol.”
    Chains clinked as Jerkol Loc reached forward and flipped a red switch. A young man’s voice could now be heard. “This is Captain Morwyn Soltaine of the Covenant Patrol vessel Jinxed Thirteenth . Our slipdrive has suffered a critical malfunction and requires repairs. We are no longer capable of starflight. Requesting any available ships to home in on these coordinates. Necessary part specs will be uploaded on this tight beam. Infinite guide you. Morwyn Soltaine out.”
    There was a pause before the message played out again. Domiant listened to it, his lips pursed and deep in thought. “Do we have his required parts?”
    Mikali and Loc both shared a silent look to one another before the former answered. “Yeah, we do.”
    Domiant smiled a vulpine grin. “Good.”
    Mikali broke the long thoughtful silence that followed. “Niko is hoping this one will get violent. Wouldn’t be lying if I said I didn’t hope for the same as well.”
    Domiant shook his head. “Mikali, I have bested more foes with a smile and kind word than a knife.”
    â€œI’m sure you have, little prince.”
    â€œRest assured,