Page 334 of Commander’s Mate

“Basic.”

“Docking compatibility?”

The chief engineer leaned forward.

“With modifications.”

Pyrr grinned.

“So we steal three things.”

Harper sighed.

“Fine. Piracy can live.”

Scarlet raised a fist.

Pyrr touched his to hers.

I watched.

Interesting.

Later.

Tivid changed screens.

“The repair yard is privately operated. Sargus-linked, but not military. Security is commercial.”

“Meaning?”

“They will surrender if convinced surrender is cheaper.”

Degatu looked at me.

“This is your area of subtlety.”

“I am extremely subtle.”

Harper laughed.

No one else did.

Traitors.

We built the plan.

Dreadnought Eight would fake an engine emergency.

The repair yard would open priority clamps because refusing a damaged warship was bad business.

Our boarding teams would seize control.

No lethal force unless fired upon.

Workers offered evacuation or pay to assist conversion.

Passenger modules detached.