"What in blazes is so important it can't wait until morning." Paul pointed over the rail and Cal stomped over to look. A man in a uniform glared up at them, flanked by men dressed in the same loose black clothing as the ones in the alley. "Who are you and why are you disturbing my ship?"

"Five men were found dead in an alley not far from here. I was told two of your crew were late. I want to question them." The man struck a pose which suggested he was used to immediate ...