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The original was posted on /r/hfy by /u/GrungleberryMuncher on 2024-10-31 08:49:08+00:00.

Link to part 1

“So that’s how the captain ended up in our prison? Who in their right mind…” Tanaya, the newest member of the crew and former royalty, asked the ship’s second in command.

“Your disbelief is understandable, few would try and commandeer a ship from your people’s navy. Though we were able to acquire supplies and a number of parts for repairs at least.” Tick replied, the man was a member of the Delurat species, a race of superstitious yet also pragmatic mammals that resembled moles due to living underground naturally.

“I suppose I am lucky that your efforts went the way they did…” The plant-like woman mulled over the thought but quickly turned her attention to the navigational display. The readout indicated that they were reaching the distress signal that they were following, though there was still a little more time until they were within visual range. “I am curious, how did the captain become…well…a pirate?”

“You are not the first to ask, I do not know all of it as this happened was before I had met him. What I do know is that both him and this ship were a part of a trading fleet for one of the larger companies within the galactic North, as well as that one of these cargo shipments he was charged with did not meet its owner.” Tick then returned to his own work, giving out orders and ensuring the bridge crew were cohesive. “I will note, he never gives anyone the full story or states what exactly the cargo was.”

“Curious…” Tanaya then adjusted her make-shift dress, she was appreciative of the efforts but this was nothing close to her old wardrobe and it was evident. “Signal is 50 kilo…me-metres, some day I shall grow used to the pronunciation…”

Tick nodded, he had not long finished training her on how to read the navigational system so that she could help as a part of the bridge crew. That was when the captain entered, the way he walked showed his confidence and he simply observed the crew for a moment before announcing himself.

“Status? What’re we looking at Tick?” The Delurat turned to answer though he paused for a moment, the hairs on his back began to stand on end.

“Disabled ship Captain, appears deserted and the long range scanners seem to agree but…” Tick then seemed to begin flattening some of the hair on his head, only for it to stick upright as soon as he released it. That was when the captain gestured for Tanaya to approach, a look of concern on his face.

“But?” Jacob questioned the Delurat once Tanaya was within whispering distance, Tick’s unease only growing more apparent.

“I’m getting a feeling, you know what I mean captain but not from that ship. I don’t even think it’s a trap, we’ve been followed I think.” At this, the human nodded slowly and looked around the bridge before turning back to Tick.

“Prepare the crew to be boarded, Tanaya I need you to come with me.” He then turned to leave with the Terasi woman in tow, yet the former princess was still confused by the two men’s reactions. Evidently Jacob had picked up on this as once they had left the bridge he spoke. “The Delurat have extremely heightened senses, to the point of almost precognition of danger so if Tick says something is wrong, something is very wrong.”

“I had no idea…what does it mean here though?” She asked, the captain however kept glancing around the corridor and seemingly ignored her question. Eventually the two had reached Jacob’s personal quarters and he gestured for Tanaya to go inside.

“It means we’re going to be attacked, likely by fellow outlaws so your going to stay here. There’s a pistol in the bedside drawer, only use it if you absolutely have to and make sure you lock the door.” He then let out an exasperated sigh, looking back down the hallway they had come from and muttering under his breath. “Hopefully it’s not the fish…”

Right as she shut the door a loud boom could be heard from somewhere in the ship, prompting her to hurry in locking the door as the faint sounds of gunfire could be heard. Tanaya then tried to find the pistol Jacob had told her about though this was easier said than done, the fighting could be heard getting louder and she assumed that meant closer as well. Finally she had managed to find the sidearm and she activated the weapon, preparing it should she need to use it against whomever their attacker was.

An hour had passed and the sounds of fighting had not lessened, they only grew louder and closer, the former princess would be lying if she claimed to not be afraid. That was when loud footfalls came from the just outside the door, luckily it stopped but it was enough to startle Tanaya into aiming at sound.

“W-who is there?” She managed to squeak out, yet of all the sounds that could have came from the other side of the door she was not expecting what did.

“Princess Tanaya Elethaa, is that you?” Came the voice of another Terasi, one she recognised as her suitor from before her family’s excommunication.

“Tarvold?! W-what are you doing here?!” She then immediately unlocked the door and stared at the man in shock, however she did not relinquish her weapon. “How did you find me?”

“I have spent the past few days tracking you after your kidnapping, I’m so glad you are safe!” Despite Tarvold’s kind words, Tanaya understood their implications and her mind began racing trying to figure out her next actions. “Come, we are still locked in combat with these criminals but once we’re on the ship we’ll be fine.”

The former princess simply raised her pistol to the man’s head, a furious look on her face as she gestured for him to walk down the hallway. Tarvold’s confusion did not stop him from following her command but before he could stammer out a question, Tanaya spoke.

“You have come to bring me back to the chopping block! I’m not going with you, nor shall I ever return to my people! And to top it off you were lied to if you believe I was taken against my will.” The two Terasi made their way to the where the fighting was, gunfire sounding and almost deafening the former princess. Tarvold had evidently hired a number of crewmen and laid a trap for the pirates, though they were lucky that he didn’t know of Tick and his abilities. As the two approached the fighting, it was evident that Tarvold’s crew were not expecting the pirates to know of their attack as they were just beginning to retreat. “Cease fire!”

All the gunfire stopped in that exact moment, the human captain had a huge grin on his face once he saw Tanaya and even began chuckling to himself. The attackers, mostly fellow Terasi, all lowered their weapons and looked around confused.

“Men, we are leaving the princess here…” Tarvold said, however this was not enough for Tanaya who pushed the pistol under his chin and clearedher throat. “And we are not to attempt this again.”

It took a few minutes before the attackers had left but once they had Jacob pulled Tanaya aside, still grinning like a madman.

“Not bad your highness, we’ll make a pirate of you yet but I think we deserve something to drink first eh?” This elicited a laugh from the former princess and she nodded, somehow she even knew exactly what drink was going to be offered.