Captain Dede Sa took down the metal sphere and tossed it to Kaina. Munching on an energy block, he asked, "Perfect timing, beautiful. Take a look and see what this thing is good for."
After examining it carefully, Kaina was certain it was part of the Dodecahedral Metal Sphere. Still, she calmly tossed it back to Captain Dede Sa.
"It's not good for much. Probably a gift from that queen's lover. Women on every planet like these little trinkets."
Dedeza looked Kaina over, then tossed the metal sphere back to her with a smile. "Since beauties like it, it ought to go to a beauty. It's no use to me anyway."
"Then thank you, Captain. I never imagined you understood women so well."
"Hahaha! Oh, I've already passed the word down. From now on, your people's ships can travel freely through this star region. You'll still have to pay a little toll now and then, though."
"Of course. Since this deal went so smoothly for everyone, would you be interested in continuing our partnership, Captain?"
Kaina had thought he would readily agree, but Captain Dede Sa's answer took her completely by surprise.
"Not interested. These energy blocks will keep us fed for a while. We'll talk when they run out."
Kaina was utterly deflated. For all her careful calculations, she had never accounted for Captain Dede Sa's lack of greed. Having enough to eat was all he wanted.
She had planned to try persuading him, but Kaina had another plan. Bowing to Dedeza, she said, "Very well. I hope we'll have another chance to work together. I'll take my leave."
Captain Dede Sa made no attempt to keep her and simply let her go. Even Queen Kaina, who could run circles around everyone in the Underground Kingdom, was struggling to