Robert Asprin – Tambu

“What is it?” Roz asked.

“None of us are too wild about becoming pirates.

Well, what if instead of becoming pirates, we hunt pirates? Besides what we get for salvage rights, there are bound to be businessmen who’ll pay us if we can make a dent in the number of shipments and ships lost to pirates.”

“Now you’re talking!” Nikki exclaimed with the same enthusiasm with which he had accepted the idea of becoming a pirate.

“Pirates shoot back,” Abuzar pointed out bluntly.

“But they’re used to fighting freighters with little or no armament,” Eisner countered. “If we’re armed better than they are, with better sensors than normal so that we can see them before they know we’re in the area, they’re in trouble.”

“Maybe.” Abuzar conceded reluctantly. “But equip-ment like that could cost a small fortune.”

“We’ve got a small fortune,” Eisner shot back. “The first thing we’ll have to do is find out what armaments and sensor equipment are available, and how much they cost.”

“That’s assuming we agree to take that option,” Roz interrupted. “I seem to recall a few other choices.”

There was an uncomfortable moment of silence. Then Dwight sighed.

“You’re right, Roz. I guess the time has come when we have to make our final decision about the future. Anything after this is a commitment, and we shouldn’t move unless everyone’s in agreement. Speaking for myself, I’m willing to try being either a pirate or a pirate hunter, with preference toward the latter.”

“I’m with you, Dwight.” Nikki chimed in.

“I’ve got no choice.” Abuzar shrugged. “Eventually someone will learn what I’ve done, and I’ll be a hunted man. It’s easier to run in space than on a planet.”