A plot is hatched

Yesterday, Rome established contact with Junior and had the unfortunate duty to inform the little spaceship that his father was dead. There was nothing they could do about it but Aason and Rome's mother, Binoda, were still in mortal danger. Junior knew there would be time to mourn later. Although he did not know her well, he knew his Auntie Rome would come up with a way of saving.

     Rome said, sadness washing over her. “Junior, I’m so sorry but your father is dead.”
     “What!?” the little spaceship replied. “How? Why?”
     “The containment vessel holding the virus exploded in his cargo hold. He sacrificed himself to make sure it was destroyed by flying into the sun.”
     “I don’t understand,” Junior replied sadly. “The canister is right here, in my cockpit.”
     “It is just a replica,” Rome said. “They think it is real, though. There’s no telling what they would do if they find out it is a fake.”
     “If it is a fake, then why are you letting them treat you like this? I can stop them right now,” Junior said angrily.
     “No,” Rome said, trying to be soothing. “Remember, they still have Aason and my mother. We still have to figure out a way to rescue them. How long before we get to Deucado?”
     “At this speed, we should be there in less than two hours,” Junior answered.
     “Does anyone in the cockpit know how to operate you?” she asked.
     “No,” replied Junior. “They just tell me what to do and so far I have followed their instructions. But I am very angry right now.”
     “Please, dear, cooperate until Aason is safe,” Rome said.
     “I will, Auntie Rome. I understand.”
     “This is what I want you to do. In a little while, I want you to drop out of null-fold space when the distance is such that it will take at least two hours to reach Deucado using your plasma thrusters.”
     “They will not like that,” Junior answered. “They told me to get back as fast as possible.”
     “Make up an excuse. Tell them you need a pilot to help you get home.”
     “But that would be lying.”
     “Junior, this is so we can rescue Aason. I think a little lie here would be acceptable.”
     “Of course,” Junior said. “You will know exactly when I drop into normal space.”

So what does Rome have planned? If you haven't read The Ark Lords, you'll find out in a day or so.