Chapter 4- continued



Coppertop lounged in the doorway,watching the cockpit door open on the captured ship

with narrowed green eyes. Ducky and Grath were beside her, and they were joined by

Kazooie, Shinyso, and KRSplat. Blacksheep was driving. Copper's eyes widened only the

barest bit when she saw the pilot of the ship leap out, but she saw Ducky begin to

reach for her staff and KRSplat put a hand to his blaster. She shot them a warning look,

but she couldn't blame them.

He was around 5 feet, with short, shiny brown fur. He looked pretty young, but Copper

knew that he was probably older. He had a gun at his belt, and a small wrist computer

on his arm. When he turned around, Copper met his eyes and tried not to look as

shocked as she felt.



Claw glanced at the Vortex Crawler, trying to assess the damage. It looked pretty beat

up, but he figured he could fix it. Then he turned around.

He almost wished he hadn't, as he looked into those cold green eyes. He knew she

wouldn't hesitate to kill him if he tried any tricks. She looked like she could use that

sword on her hip. The rabbits (and other) ranged behind her didn't look too friendly,

either, and Claw knew he'd have to watch his step. "Your name, occupation, and

employer, prisoner." The voice was musical, but argued for a smooth talker. "None'o yer

buisiness," he retorted. Suddenly her blaster was in her hand, aimed at him. She held it

casually, but she was fast. Blindingly fast. "What did you say? I must of heard wrong."

The voice was commanding, but bored sounding. "You heard me. That info is

confidential," he snapped. Her eyes flashed. "Now." He was taken aback by her anger,

and decided that it might not hurt to tell her. "The name's Claw. Kroys wants you dead,

don't ask me why, I don't ask questions. Figure out the rest yourself," he growled. "I

know, I know!" A big bird hopped out of the group behind Coppertop. Claw shifted his

gaze to the new speaker. "Occupation: very rude pilot! Right?" Claw gazed at the bird

contemptuously. Copper's crisp voice broke the silence. "I asked you to tell me your

occupation. You will tell me on pain of death." Claw sighed. She had him there. He

nodded reluctantly, and looked at her. "Mercenary. Who's the bird?" She gazed at him

steadily, and he felt trapped by the dark eyes.



Copper felt her annoyance rise. "Claw, huh? I won't even ask. You probably know who I

am, and my rep. We're after Devan and his master. Got any news?" Claw looked relived.

"Yeah. Your after Kroys, and I'll lead you to him for a fee." Her eyes snapped with anger,

and she had trouble containing her temper. "Listen here, Claw. You are not a free

mercenary anymore. You are a prisoner of war, and be glad I am not torturing you for

information. I am TRYING to be civilized, but you are testing my patience. On this ship,

you are not free to state everything and anything that you want to. I will not hesitate

to kill you if you insult me, my crew, or my ship. Got that?" Claw snarled angrily. There

was really nothing he could do though; it was his choice to surrender, and that put him

under her authority. He glared at her, but she could read resignation in that look.

"Ducky," and she turned to her friend, "Go relive Blacksheep. KRSplat, go as her copilot.

You," and she turned her gaze back onto Claw, "if I decide you can be trusted, might be

able to act as navigator when we go for this Kroys. UNTIL then, and not before, you will

be under survelliance at all times. Dismissed," and she turned on her heel and walked

away.