The Gilded Cage

Javier still tinkers with his machines, and tends his gardens and his chicken, despite being a slave, held by pirates.
Who are just starting to realize how important the Science Officer is becoming.
When Wilhelmina returns, with news that the ship's Dragoon, Djamila Sykora has been kidnapped, all bets are off regarding who survives. And who doesn't.
The Gilded Cage explores relationships, honor, the meaning of evil, as well as the importance of blowing shit up. This is the third novella in the Science Officer series, which starts with, The Science Officer and The Mind Field. Be sure to read the rest of the series as well!
Part of the Alexandria Station universe.