Just as Klein resolved to help Mr. Azik recover his memories,
a commotion suddenly broke out on the deck.
Then came the sound of crew members running back and forth, informing the passengers to remain in their rooms and not move about. It seemed they had encountered pirates.
"There is only one pirate ship. We have more than enough ability to handle it.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please return to your rooms in an orderly manner and await good news. Believe me, the harm caused by chaos far outweighs a pirate attack. I don't want rumors spreading afterward that although the White Agate successfully repelled the pirates, five, six, seven, or eight passengers injured themselves by falling."
It had to be said that both the White Agate and Airlan commanded enough respect. Even after encountering pirates, the passengers aboard did not panic excessively. Apart from the initial disturbance, things soon calmed down.
Klein looked toward Danez, who had stepped out of the room again.
"I was kidnapped... brought aboard by you people. How could it have anything to do with me?"
Danez was practically on the verge of tears.
I didn't want to come aboard! It was the one beside you who said I had to work until I paid off my debt!
Klein glanced at him, then walked to the window and looked outside. Where sea and sky met, he saw a large ship sailing toward them beneath a red skull flag. It had both smokestacks and sails.
"Do you know them?"
Klein stood behind the thick glass window with both hands in his pockets.
Danez came to stand diagonally behind him, gazed for two seconds, and said,
"The Red Skull Pirates, a small-to-medium force.
"The captain is Sea Wolf Johnson, worth a bounty of 900 pounds. The first mate