Jod Na Nawood is such a fascinating character.
Like we all saw this coming. Jod couldn't do anything without Fern pulling rank or questioning his every move, even when not needed.
Ferns a child so her distrust and the way she handles it all checks out. Can't really blame her.
So him pulling the 'Challenge the Captain' card makes sense. Can't really plan a grand escape with the treasure if a child Captain and her deadly droid is on your every move.
That being said, I don't think he wants the kids harmed or dead. If he did he would have just killed Fern and the others, then take off with the coordinates and ship.
We saw very clearly he had no problem killing. He was very quick to fill that room back up with acid killing all the enemy pirates.
Side Note: SM-33 before then was very mindful to ask Captain Fern for confirmation anytime Jod told him to do anything, but when Jod told him to fill the chamber up with acid he didn't ask Fern if that was what she wanted.
There's a plan whirling about in his head, gears a moving pieces falling into place.
Do I think by the end of the series he'll be good? HA! No ... no. He's a pirate through and through.
I predict by the end it'll be him, SM-33 and the Onyx Cinder, with the kids either safely home or him reluctantly taking them.
The impact of the kids journey on At Attin and their lives in, is a different conversation for another day.