Two were small and one looked as if he could pick up the Bar and carry it to the other side of the spaceport.
From the smallest cloak came a high pitched sound of disgust.
"Mister Holtzman, you specifically told us this ‘Piehl’," her voice dripped contempt, "was a tough, ingenious, brave ship's captain, who always gets the job done. Sounds like a whimpering old man to me."
The slight, sibilant lisp of royal speech further accented her contempt.
Old man, now there's a cruel shot! Piehl grunted. Flex's comments regarding my prowess sound like an epitaph to me.
The large figure of the Imperial Sufic stood silent, unmoving, as though someone had carved him from rock. He was an impressive man with his great height, draped in the Green and gray robes of the order.
Then a soft voice came from beneath the other figure's opaque hood. "Be quiet, Iralane. Captain Piehl, please let me explain our situation. I am the Lady Giselle Lociranou and ..."
Piehl came to with a start. "Forgive me, my lady, I was caught up in your voice and didn't get what you said."
There was a musical chuckle. "You are forgiven, sir."
"Well, if you two can restrain the sweet talk, maybe we can get on with this whole stupid exercise." The princess was getting to be a royal pain.
The lady's mellow voice went on. "All that is needed, sir, is to make safe journey to the home of the princess's uncle on Back'n'Beyond. We are aware that it is a long trip. I'm sure we'll all do our best not to get under foot. The Princess and I can both use blast pistols, and I have held the post of ship's communication officer. We will be able to help in any difficulties that might arise."
"Difficulties? What difficulties? Is there something you haven't mentioned?" Piehl said.
"Your pardon, Captain. If you will be patient. As you know, His Royal Highness is under attack from several areas. Since the recent reverses at Orianne and Flamingo's Star, there are those in government and elsewhere who would harm the King, and failing that, try to get at him through his family.
"If I may interrupt. Granted you are who you say you are, why hire itinerant traders like Flex and me? Wouldn't it be easier for the Princess’s father to assign a fast tracker squadron as escort?"
"Yes, maybe, but His Highness is concerned that treachery has reached the top echelons of the Royal Navy. Therefore he wanted a more…circumspect method of travel. No, Captain, I am afraid you are his choice. His Highness was specific. He said, ‘Get Piehl, I know the man, he'll get the job done'."
Well, crap, Piehl thought. His Highness is most generous with his confidence. Faith, however won't smash a Raider.
Piehl wondered why he was carping. He was going to do it, he couldn't say no. The King had done the one thing Piehl couldn't ignore. He had shown respect for the Legion. He knew his protest was meaningless, that they might just as well get on with it.
She went on. "I trust the King, if he says it can be done, and you're the one to do it, I believe him."
"Many thanks, my lady. It happens that I also trust the King. Look, just suppose Flex and I do this, there are agreements we must have before lift-off. By the way, just when did you want to leave?" Piehl asked.
The dark robe seemed to hang a bit more tensely. "Tomorrow morning would be good, if you can," she said.
"Excuse me! No, Ma'am. I understand your urgency, but if we are to be properly prepared there are special things that must be done first. For that class ship I need crew; two, maybe three more men. Then there is cargo to be found and other 'essentials'."
"Every day we remain is greater danger. Sir, I would not give advantage to the King's enemies." Lady Lociranu said.
"I understand. Flex, put out a code call for an astrogator with military experience plus hi-computational skill, top wage; you know where to look."
"Aye, sir."
Flex went to work with the Comp, and Piehl listed the extras he wouldn't leave without. He looked up and the dark shapes were still standing where they'd been, although the small one was tapping her foot with a vicious cadence.
"Forgive me, ladies. If you'd like, please take a seat."
At that moment they were interrupted by a gurgling series of snorts from the corner of the bar. The Sufic, who till then hadn't moved, turned lithely and went to where the old sergeant major lay curled up on a bench. Reaching down, he gently rolled the sergeant into a new position, causing his snorts to subside into a quiet wheeze.
Piehl looked at the Sufic with interest. Now this fellow I could like, Piehl thought. Retired sergeants aren't at their best without a battle to lie about, or other sergeants to drink with.
The ladies took seats as Piehl tried to gather his thoughts. It was time to let them know which way the wind blew.
"Ladies, the rules aboard the ship and dirtside, anywhere between here and our final destination are simple. If I give a command, you obey instantly."
There was a snort from the smallest cloak. Using his harsh flight deck voice, Piehl barked.
"If there's any argument you can find other means of transportation, do you Understand, Miss?"
"Yes, Captain, We understand completely," Lady Lociranou replied.
Piehl looked at all of them for a minute. "For my part, the crew and I will try to be as aware of your needs as shipboard demands allow. If however there's trouble I must have absolute obedience. It's for your survival."
"Excuse me, ladies, don't be alarmed," Piehl said.
"Sar'n Major, front and center, at the double!" Piehl put a lot of snap into the command.
The Sergeant Major came off the bench only slightly slower than in years past, took a quick sweep over his clothes, whipped out a big hunk of cloth and wiped his face. He strode over in front of Piehl and banged to attention with a crash of heels. While he didn't actually salute, he came to such rigid attention he gave the impression of having saluted.
"Sergeant, I need your service."
"Sir!" His posture seemed to become even more rigid.
"I have a bit of a situation here. I'd like my meeting with these ‘citizens’," Piehl inclined his head toward the three in stealth cloaks, "to go undisturbed for security reasons. I'd appreciate your help."
"Sir!"
“I'd like you to stand guard at the door. Allow no one in until we've concluded our business. Will you do that for me, Sergeant?"
"Of course, sir. May the sergeant ask how much you wish to remain undisturbed?"
"A lot, Sergeant."
He smiled with satisfaction, showing a lot of battered teeth in a weathered, durable face. He went to the door and looked outside, closed it and set the panel lock.
"I am sorry for the dramatics, ladies, but it occurred to
