Once they were through the jump point and had travelled far enough from it several pirate ships which had already slipped off to the side now moved in behind them. One went through the jump point but the other stayed and waited.
“Sonia, I need you to run the numbers,” said Drake. “Is there any way we could get back within weapons range of the jump point without the pirates seeing what we’re doing and avoiding us?”
“Just a minute, Captain.”
Drake waited impatiently for her answer. When it came it surprised him.
“Yes, Captain, we could. But…” she trailed off.
The smile slipped off Drake’s face at the but.
“Go on,” he said. “Tell me the bad news.”
“Well, we could get back within weapons range but the ships waiting at the jump point would see us coming, jump through and warn those on
