“Entertainment,” the man farthest back said.

“Or not,” Vale said, withdrawing her phaser with complete nonchalance.

The men paused, looking at the weapon, and then the man called Noraa laughed. At that, all five rapidly withdrew their own weapons, ranging from some form of energy pistol to a multibladed knife.

“It doesn’t have to get ugly,” Vale said casually. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Hurt us?” And the men laughed.

“Five against two, all with weapons. I like our odds,” Noraa said.