Jess frowned. The Spindrift was picking up three more fighters but another nine were sitting some distance off and not getting any closer.
“Captain North,” Jess sent. “What’s going on with the other fighters?”
“They won’t come aboard,” North replied. “They’re worried about the risk of us being Tainted.”
“What? Are they insane? Are they going to stay here and get killed?”
“They want you to pick them up,” North replied.
Jess was stunned for a moment. “No!” he said. “No. I won’t do that. I’ve made that very clear. I won’t have any fighters aboard the Wanderer. It’s too dangerous.”
“They know you’re taking Clay,” North replied.
“That’s… that’s different. I know Clay. I trust him. I’m not taking them. Tell them!”
“I have been,” snapped North. “They aren’t listening. Hel
