The story starts in the Vume system, and then moves through Theev to the Palindrome system.
Repairs on the Far Scout in the ice cave are almost complete when a ship flies low overhead. While the speed of packing and repairing is redoubled, a scan is attempted. With the bulk of the icy moon causing problems the fast departing ship is spotted just before it heads over the horizon. It does not return before the work is complete.
Crews are assigned to the three ships. Captain Slaid and Jack Sparrow are in the Phoenix, while Lady Nitrane and Silent Unter are in the salvager. The remaining crew are sufficient to fly all three ships.
The first ship to take off is the Phoenix, then the salvager, and finally the scout. More scans are performed but from orbit the only ships detected are distant. Rather than investigating the low flying ship the decision is made to travel to Theev's most distant gas giant to refuel.
Arriving in the Theev system the first thing noticed is that there are quite a few ships around. Most are refuelling but there are some defence boats keeping the peace. With the gas giant so large it is not hard to find a secluded, or at least unpopulated, part of the surface to refuel.
The crew from Ferriks ship are brought out of their low berths and given medical attention. Each is given an opportunity to join Captain Slaid's crew, which two do immediately. The third is allowed to talk to the crew, although an eye is kept on him. Uneventfully the ships top up and then proceed to Palindrome, where they hope to take advantage of the hospitality extended by Lady Yemar.
When they arrive Lady Nitrane attempts to make contact, but some interference prevents conversation. Approaching the planet another attempt is made, and Lady Yemar, advised that the party's prey has been caught, suggests landing in a large hangar that can accommodate all ships at once.
Greeting them once they land is the official that first approached Lady Nitrane on their first visit. This time taking Captain Slaid (in his admiral's uniform) and Silent Unter (in his dinner suit) they arise to the large room above the starport building. Lady Yemar is a gracious hostess again and talk turns to the situation at hand. The subject of the scientist to help Yemar overcome her medical condition is also raised again - Nitrane suggesting that the Lab ship that the party are aware of could be used somehow.
Ferrik's ship is in need of repairs, and Yemar's people are sent to assess it. For 2 million credits it can be fully repaired, and also be made to look like its not been a pirates vessel. This is quite a lot of money, but the party will get that much from providing Ferriks body to Torpol, not to mention that the ship would be a little easier to sell - resulting in a lot more than 2 million credits it is hoped.
Captain Slaid considers what to do with the Salvager. Admiral Darokyn has sent word that he wants it back after the 12 months of exile from Theev are up. The last of Ferrik's crew decides to stay, but one of the engineers decides to take up the offer of a passage back to Theev instead.
To be continued.
