Aodha grunted at Renaya's retort, "Why risk my ship for a spoiled brat exactly?" Was his dismissive response. Of course, speaking to some high born Serilline in any other context would spell the end for the human and whatever possessions he might have gathered in his short lifetime. Her orders were meant to be followed and no questions were to be asked; such is the way of things in the Empire. Even then, there was little hope of the<i>Aurora </i>trying to outrun a battleship armed to the teeth with the best weapons known to the galaxy. Such a thing would be suicidal, at best, and downright idiotic to boot. Any sentient creature with a pound of grey matter in its head would know that.<br/><br/>"Soon as I'm paid," Aodha responded with before taking the datapad back in his hands to press his own thumb into the reader. The Appendix he'd edited before handing over to be signed and, true to his word, had been only amended to include the buy out of her freedom. Half a million Imperial Credits plus a modest interest of time served within his care. Enough to cover his costs of travel to and from the Throneworld, lost cargo, hazard pay, and a little more for profit on the side. All of which, he'd added to the documentation before giving the pad over to Renaya to approve. A modest price, for sure, but not one that was out of the realm of possibilities for some high noble to cover, either. "Until then, you belong to me. Welcome to the real world princess." The nickname's ironic nature was utterly lost upon Aodha, of course.<br/><br/>With the deal completed, Aodha walked around Renaya and climbed the short set of stairs into the bridge. Easing down into the pilot's seat he sighed before running his hand through his hair. Already the massive battleship loomed across the diamond reinforced window and dominated the near entirety of his view. His fingers danced across the surface of his control panel and he opened a communications line to the<i>Supremacy, </i>"This is Captain Aodha McToimilin of the<i>Aurora </i>reporting at the assigned location for inspection as instructed." The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as he waited for a response. How many of the heavy weapon platforms were already locked on the boxy craft? Just one was enough to vaporize half of the<i>Aurora </i>in a single volley much less a dozen.