<html><head><style type='text/css'>p { margin: 0; }</style></head><body><div style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000'><P><BR> "My man who watched your ship reported to my men that no one<BR> came close to the ship at all. With Major Lai distracted by<BR> the celebration coming up I doubt he would be interested in<BR> doing real police work. Oh that reminds me." He looks back<BR> at Z'leyra. "Too bad you did end up paying. Seems one of the<BR> pirates was worth 4 full gold coins. He was wanted by a noble<BR> in the north for killing his wife. But the interesting thing<BR> is Major Lai reports the pirate stole a large ruby worth at least<BR> 30-40 gold. He broke late last night and told where he hid it.<BR> So while you lost that reward the distraction and bonus to<BR> him was good for him. He thanks you for it."<BR></P>
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<P>When Kiet hears this news he curses out loud. 34-44 gold coin gone to waste!!! That is a tremendous sum to him, even though he has still more. Kiet was born into humble circumstances, and this lost opportunity for gain is simply too much for him to maintain much control.</P>
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<P>"I will state here and now, whether you people like it or not..." Kiet says with voice slightly wavering in an attempt at control and a grim demeanor on his face, "...that if we have prisoners ever again, I intend to rigorously question them, one way or another!"</P>
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