Ever been to a multiple-planet yard sale? You know, the kind where every citizen of a solar system gathers all their garbage, piles it into a freighter, then slaps a big distress beacon on it? The hold of a pirate ship looks kind of like that except with more guards per capita than a political envoy.

So we’re behind some crates full of crap, trying to come up with a plan. According to Gimli, we have about 7 minutes to placate the guards, find the nuns, then blow this popsicle stand.

“Okay, here’s the plan...”
“Major.”
“What? Can’t you see that I’m trying to come up with a plan?”
“I know. It’s just that Sadie, well she’s...um...I think you should see this.”

I look over my shoulder to see a pirate’s pants drop to the floor. His guard buddy starts laughing at him. Big mistake! I mean every one knows that you never laugh at a bare-assed pirate. The result of this little practical joke is that in about 30 seconds there is a room full of naked pirates beating the shit out of each other.

“Did you do that?”
“What? A girl can get a little looky-looky once in a while, can’t she?”
“Yeah. Of course. So...uh...new plan everyone. We make like...”
“They’re three rows over and in a cage under a big black sheet. I’m going to stay here with Amelie. You go on ahead.”
“Err... So... Kliim, we’re gonna go rescue us some nuns.”
“And, uh, Major. Be careful. Okay?”
“Sure, you ’ve already dealt with the hard part. We just gotta be all stealthy and stuff.”

Something in the look on Sadie’s face makes me think that is aint going to be that simple.

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