Contrary to Xi Yan's expectations, Cobalt Feather then sent over a list containing vast quantities of treasure and energy credits, every bit as valuable as the riches Xi Yan had obtained during the Star Kingdom Atlas incident.
He also showed Xi Yan his treasury to prove that they were not lying. As long as Xi Yan gave him the Star Kingdom Atlas, all that wealth would be handed over in full.
Apparently, Black Needle's obsession with the Star Kingdom Atlas was not about wealth.
"This seems to be about more than just money?" Xi Yan probed, one step at a time.
Cobalt Feather made no attempt to hide anything and said openly, "Five thousand years ago, my ancestor, the great Silver Feather, was Captain Nais's first mate."
"Mm-hmm. And then?"
"He served her faithfully for years, but what did he get in return?"
"Betrayal?"
"Betrayal!"
Cobalt Feather spoke furiously, the bristles on the back of his head standing on end. "She handed him over to the authorities and pocketed the entire bounty!"
"Of course, no prison could hold the mighty Silver Feather. After a daring escape, he rose from the ashes and forged his ragtag crew into the legendary Black Needle that stands before you today."
"He swore revenge on Captain Nais for betraying him, devoting his life to plundering her treasures and burying her reputation beneath his own success."
"I am merely fulfilling his dying wish. This star chart is the key to reclaiming what is rightfully ours. Now, please return it-the Star Kingdom Atlas-to me."
Apparently, this involved a feud between Black Needle's Silver Feather and the Pirate Queen Nais five thousand years ago-a very recent era indeed. Frankly, Xi Yan thought Black Needle was doing exactly the right thing. This was how revenge ought to be taken.