So that explained the captain's easy going attitude toward the little engineer. At least Lodar had some feelings!
"Why not take this girl back to Venus?" Ray suggested.
"And run into a patrol? Earth Fleet or Company ship, it makes no difference. If we're caught it means life!"
They were operating outside the law, and no one would listen to their excuses. Ray felt suddenly cold as he thought that over. Unease dampened his admiration for the captain. Lodar was too smart to be captured, his ruthless ability would see the Vulcan through all right. But he was quite capable of murdering the girl, if necessary, as a last resort in getting rid of her!
Scowling, Ray followed the captain. In the control room they found Campora studying the magnaflux. He looked nervous as Lodar headed straight for him.
"What about this girl we got aboard?" the captain demanded harshly.
"Girl?" Campora looked innocent.
"You led the raid, didn't you?" Lodar's dark eyes were dangerous. "Maybe you were looking for some more fun?" He stepped close to the mate. "Or are you just blind?"
"There was a whole bunch of captives." Campora backed away. "We was in a hurry, and—"
"You damned liar!" Lodar seized his tunic. "You brainless idiot!" His free hand whipped up to slash across Campora's face.