The Treasure of Lei Fong Wu

Chapter Thirty One

“Why is there a warship in my sky?” Mal demanded Wash as he entered the bridge. He sounded like it was a personal affront.

“If we aren’t careful, we might just find out first hand,” the pilot responded, not taking his eyes off of his console. “It’s not running a transponder or pulse beacon, but I cross-checked the telemetry with Janes Index. If I had to guess I’d say it was an old Prowler-class frigate.”

“A frigate?” Mal asked, a little shocked. “A patrol boat I could see – but a frigate?”

“It’s probably not an Alliance ship, Cap’n. They haven’t used the Prowler-class in twenty years – since long before the War. Probably picked it up surplus.”

“Is she armed?” Mal asked as Master Lei glided onto the deck.

“Permission to enter the bridge?” he asked politely.

“Come on in, Heavenly Master,” Wash called out. “Mal, you don’t buy a frigate because the chicks dig it,” he explained patiently. “Of course she’s armed. I’d guess lasers, long-range ship-to-ship full yield EM loads. Probably a hefty amount of high-explosives, too. Might even have a fighter or two, and I’d say some drones would be likely.”

“That isn’t good,” mumbled Mal, watching the little red dot on the monitor. “You think she’s related to that crowd that just shot us up?”

“I’m thinkin’ it’s possible,” agreed Wash. “Either that or my student loan people finally caught up to me. I’ve gotta make a choice, soon, and your guidance would be appreciated: if I climb out of atmo and make a break for it, she’s likely to catch us in orbit – she’s just got more legs. If I can lure her down into atmo, though, she’s got all kinds of drag. We might be able to out-fly her. Or something.”

“It’ll buy us some time,” Mal said after a few moments consideration. “Do it. I’ll rustle up the General, see if he has any ideas.”

“Well, I’ll do my part,” Wash assured. “I’ll fly around and look tempting. It’s up to them to actually chase us,” he reminded Mal’s back.

When the Captain was