“Send a ransom demand to the Nyal Imperium, and they will send one to the Alliance. I am sure you can get something for me.” He cocked his head and smiled. “You are seriously telling me to contact the law in order to get a ransom? This is between us and Xerat. You have no place in it.” She blinked, and the flickering hope she had been nurturing died. “I am sure that I could arrange something. Hell, can I pay my own ransom?” “You have three hundred thousand credits?” She blinked. That was more than she would make in five years. “Um, no. I have twenty thousand credits.” He raised his brows. “That much?” She shrugged. “I know it isn’t enough, but could it at least buy me a call?” He quirked his lips. “No.” “Why not?” “You are not authorized to communicate with the government of Xerat.”
