 to believe that any man who never ran with pirates can ever be their match."  Kirk straightened in his seat, stung by the remark. "Oh, I don't know about that."  The table's patrons turned to him almost as a unit, and he found himself momentarily startled by the frank challenge in their stares.  "Do you mean to disavow my own experience?" There was steel in the dark-haired Englishman's voice despite his friendly countenance.  The white-haired bear lifted one big hand in an obvious gesture of placation. "Easy, my friend. He sounds like a man with experience of his own."  "Some." Kirk settled back as a wiry serving boy scampered up to their table with a tray full of drinks. He gave the others first pick from the offerings