Smoker flew into a rage. "What do you mean by that?"
Rubick said to Vivi, "Say someone bullies you. You can ask the Marines to stand up for you. Or if two of your subordinates start fighting and you can't stop them, call in the Marines. Having a third party mediate isn't a bad idea."
Vivi's eyes lit up. Rubick could hardly have made his hint any clearer.
Smoker was still turning it over in his head when Rubick returned to the ship. He tossed Karoo, who was sleeping soundly, overboard and set the ship moving toward the East Bank.
Smoker said irritably, "Your Highness, can you let go of me now?"
Vivi clung to him even tighter. "Please, sir, you have to help me!"
"My men will be here soon. I'll have someone escort you back to Alubarna."
Vivi said through tears, "I can't go back yet!"
Smoker's head throbbed. "Please don't throw a tantrum. And you can call me Smoker."
"Mr. Smoker, my country is in grave danger. Its fate hangs in the balance. As Princess, I have to do something for it."
Smoker felt as though he had one foot in the vortex of a vast conspiracy. Rubick, who knew all about it, had plainly made his escape.
"Your Highness, what's happening in Alabasta?"
Vivi answered at once. "Crocodile, one of the Shichibukai, framed the King and stirred up rebellion across the country. My country is on the brink of destruction!"
"Is what you're saying true?"
"Yes. Crocodile founded Baroque Works a few years ago and built it up in secret. His people are all over Alabasta now. He intends to spark a rebellion and seize the country."
It sounded hard to believe, but Smoker believed her. "A pirate's a pirate," he spat.
Vivi said, "Mr. Smoker,