"Maybe I don't nab as easily as you think," Nicko growled.
"Anyhow, there isn't time. I think that crew spotted us when we entered the field. We've got to get in and away."
"Once inside we can lock the hatches and hold them off until we blast."
"You think so?" Mike asked. "With that funny fire ray they've got?"
"Well, maybe they just won't see us then."
"Let's hope not."
Nicko went up the ramp first. Mike followed with Doree in his arms. The H'Lorkan warrior brought up the rear. Into the dark maw of the ship they went, where Nicko found a utility flashlight on its hook near the door to the companionway. He sent a beam on ahead. "Holy Mother Mars!" he croaked.
The light flashed back off thousands of brilliant jewels almost blinding them. The companionway was strewn inches deep in multicolored gems.
"That's about what I figured," Mike said. "Those two have been loading loot ever since they set down here. I'll bet every cabin's packed to the guards."
This was true. As they moved through the ship it was like walking in the treasure house of a Neptunian robber baron. "There's well over a billion in here," Nicko marveled. "Whatever you say about our friends—they aren't small timers."