"With love, Your first born daughter Las'Tai"

Tai'Tanu finished reading the message and breathed out. She didn't realise she had held her breath while reading the message. While relieved that her daughter was safe and surprised at the Terran actually keeping it word, she still wanted to tear the flesh from his bones. If she could help it, his death would be slow, but from the sound of her daughter's words the easiest thing would be to pit one of the other high caste members against them as her champion. Insufferable leeches, constantly scheming to take the power that rightfully belonged to her. But that would rob her of the satisfaction of his death. No, she had to fight him herself. She called for her servants and started giving them instructions to Send out a message to the Terran that she would meet him in single combat. They also had to fetch her Master crafter and historians. she would abide by the Terrans rules to the letter, and they had only mentioned weapons, not armor. Finally, they were to Message her assassin's, gathering as many as possible to pose as her honor guard for the duel. "A curious similarity between our people." she mused mentally. Her orders given, she leaned back and started tapping away on her datapad, looking over Terran pre industrial weaponry. She was disturbed to learn that they had worked high quality carbon steel alloy during their medieval period, although it had been isolated individuals mastering the art, The sheer number of weapons they had created floored her. Knives, Sword, Spears, Axes, Daggers, Rapiers, Halberds, War Hammers, War picks, hidden blades, Knuckles, Spiked knuckles, the list went on and on, with so many different types of each it was impossible to keep track. That was not even mentioning the ranged options available Bows, Crossbows, Slings, Throwing weapons of all sizes and shapes, even a simple rock or tree branch became a deadly weapon, even against armor, in the hands of a determined Terran.

Moving on to look at armor, she was again astounded by the amount of designs. Each with a specific use in mind.

"What will the Terran use amongst these weapons and armor? Will he interpret the rules as liberally as i have? How good of a fighter is he? Judging from the axe swing he posesses the strength of a deathworlder. History shows the Terrans have a special mindset for war, almost like they thrive in strife and struggle. Is it honorless of me to arrange an ambush, even if he is a heretic?" All these thoughts ran through her head while she studied. None of them able to be answered.

A knock on the door signalled the arrival of her Master crafter and she put away her studies for later. Time to get dressed for war like no Kloxna had done in several thousand years.

__________________________________

Eirik was pacing the bridge impatiently, His body humming with excess energy as he was waiting to get to the smuggler station. As soon as the ship hit the 15 minute mark distance he spoke over the intercom, "Everyone, we are 15 minutes out, im ordering a forced shore leave for all non essential personell. We will be staying for 2 days to allow the brave members of the wolf packs to rest and heal up after our recent victory. Make sure to shift out tomorrow so everyone get at least 1 day of shore leave. Finally, don't get in trouble with station security or they will be the least of your worries, and..... Have fun all."

He looked to Las'tai beside him, the short humanoid lizard still looking confused after they set up her ships account, granting her acces to her portion of the bonus and setting her up to receive pay for her work. "What's the matter my well funded scaly friend?" he said with a smile looking at her expectantly.

Las'Tai turned her head upwards to look at him and after a long moment of silence she finally managed to get out "How do you stay in command if you keep giving away your hoarded wealth?"

The Terrans around her laughed, but she did not sense any mockery in the laughter, Only good natured fun.

"A couple of reasons" Eirik began, "First, i wish to thank the crew that has joined me, as i said when i made the transfer, Second, it's just money. what is hoarded wealth gonna get me besides the envy of others. Better to see happiness instead of hoarding worries" He looked somber for a moment before continuing, "Finally, the price for those ships, paid out by the Terran government is pretty big. As expected losses, capturing them was a great boon for us all, so we should all have a share. As for why you get a share, you Joined the crew before we took the prize, so as part o the crew you get an equal share. It's only fair. Oh, also, you will accompany me and whomever joins me for the outing. Come, we land in a few. You need anything from your cabin?? "

"No, not since i dont have a weapon to retrieve." She stated.

Eirik seemed to pause for a moment before going over to David, whispering a few words in his ear and reaching into David's jacket before pulling out what looked like a Terran ballistic weapon. He stuck it in the belt on his back so it was covered by his jacket and went back to Las'Tai without a word and they moved to the Hangar together. In the Hangar they found Knud alone and Eirik promply invited him to join them. as the ship landed, the Hangar doors opened and they walked onto the station. A squad of ragged guards were hanging out nearby, supposed to be watching for trouble, but far busier watching the dice game being played between them. Their weapons, however, had that shine to them that told of recent use and Eirik guessed it would be best to behave properly. Talking it over with his 2 companions, they decided to go out to eat first. afterwards, they would figure out what to do from there. As good as Old Pan's food was, having something different was always a nice change. As they walked down the street they failed to notice the Kloxna hiding in the shadows of the far wall, watching them intently and scampering off the moment they turned the corner.