Ajan's eyes were still closed as he imagined the blade coming to rest on his heart, piercing it with impunity and finally ending an existence that was both demanding and which drew little respect, especially from those of the military ilk. Politicians, or those who fought with words, were often looked upon with suspicion, and he as a diplomat was no different. He'd fought hard to oppose the destruction of Earth, but nobody listened. Nobody listened unless it was to their advantage. Such was Earth politics. It seemed tempting, the idea of flying off into space and having not a care in the world, but it was an existence far beyond his comfort zone, opposing everything he had been taught to believe. It was frightening, in a way. More frightening than even the possibility of death.

But the killing blow did not come. Instead, he heard the sound of a sword being sheathed, and opened his eyes in muted surprise. He'd been spared. Was it an act of compassion, or one of pity? Did she relish the fact that she could have him on her ship as some sort of jester, playing to her every whim and fancy? Well, that certainly would not happen. Nevertheless, there was some form of relief at his life having been kept intact. Perhaps the pride he'd inherited from his forefathers had come in handy this time instead of bringing him down in the eyes of his fellow human wealthy. Finally able to move his legs again, he sucked in a trembling breath and started after Renfred, stalking past the pirate captain as quickly as he could manage. 

"Renfred." Ajan said uneasily as he got within a meter of the man.

"Yes, Ambassador?"

The words were hard to get out, but Ajan managed. "Thank you. For trying, at least, though frankly it wasn't the best way of going about it..." He shook his head - could he not manage a simple expression of gratitude without going on a tirade? He took another breath, finally allowing his tensed shoulders to relax. "But yes. What I mean is...thank you. I am grateful."

Renfred seemed momentarily shocked. "I-It's no problem, sir."

Now that the heartwarming moment was over, Ajan steeled his nerves and followed the rest to the airlock, finally going on board the [i]Queen's Glory[/i]. He'd never been surrounded by scoundrels and criminals before, and it'd be a lie if he said he wasn't intimidated. Still, he kept his calm, adjusting his rumpled uniform. "I suppose you'll be embarking on some new adventure now," he said offhandedly to the woman who was now in charge of him. Despite being bitter about her Dracian heritage, he kept his emotions reined in for the time being. "I will do my best to be useful."