Part 2 (1/2)
”They have given us until noon,” he started once more, ”to get together--”
Jellico's voice came, coldly remote. ”There is no reason for any 'getting together,' Grange. By rights I can have you up before the Trade Board for poaching. The Solar Queen has sole trading rights here. If you up-s.h.i.+p within a reasonable amount of time, I'll be inclined to let it pa.s.s.
After all I've no desire to run all the way to the nearest Patrol post to report you--”
”You can't expect to buck Inter-Solar. We'll make you an offer--” That was Kallee's contribution, made probably because his commanding officer couldn't find words explosive enough.
Jellico, whose forte was more direct action, took an excursion into heavy-handed sarcasm. ”You Eysies have certainly been given excellent briefing. I would advise a little closer study of the Code--and not the sections in small symbols at the end of the tape, either! _We're_ not bucking anyone. You'll find our registration for Sargol down on tapes at the Center. And I suggest that the sooner you withdraw the better--before we cite you for illegal planeting.”
Grange had gained control of his emotions. ”We're pretty far from Center here,” he remarked. It was a statement of fact, but it carried over-tones which they were able to a.s.sess correctly. The Solar Queen was a Free Trader, alone on an alien world. But the I-S s.h.i.+p might be cruising in company, ready to summon aid, men and supplies. Dane drew a deep breath, the Eysies _must_ be sure of themselves, not only that, but they must want what Sargol had to offer to the point of being willing to step outside the law to get it.
The I-S Captain took a step forward. ”I think we understand each other now,” he said, his confidence restored.
Van Rycke answered him, his deep voice cutting across the sighing of the wind in the gra.s.s forest.
”Your proposition?”
Perhaps this return to their implied threat bolstered their belief in the infallibility of the Company, their conviction that no independent dared stand up against the might and power of Inter-Solar. Kallee replied:
”We'll take up your contract, at a profit to you, and you up-s.h.i.+p before the Salariki are confused over whom they are to deal with--”
”And the amount of profit?” Van Rycke bored in.
”Oh,” Kallee shrugged, ”say ten percent of Cam's last s.h.i.+pment--”
Jellico laughed. ”Generous, aren't you, Eysie? Ten percent of a cargo which can't be a.s.sessed--the gang on Limbo kept no records of what they plundered.”
”We don't know what he was carrying when he crashed on Limbo,” countered Kallee swiftly. ”We'll base our offer on what he carried to Axal.”
Now Van Rycke chucked. ”I wonder who figured that one out?” he inquired of the scented winds. ”He must save the Company a fair amount of credits one way or another. Interesting offer--”
By the bland satisfaction to be read on the three faces below the I-S men were a.s.sured of their victory. The Solar Queen would be paid off with a pittance, under the vague threat of Company retaliation she would up-s.h.i.+p from Sargol, and they would be left in possession of the rich Koros trade--to be commended and rewarded by their superiors. Had they, Dane speculated, ever had any dealings with Free Traders before--at least with the brand of independent adventurers such as manned the Solar Queen?
Van Rycke burrowed in his belt pouch and then held out his hand. On the broad palm lay a flat disc of metal. ”Very interesting--” he repeated. ”I shall treasure this recording--”
The sight of that disc wiped all satisfaction from the Eysie faces.
Grange's purplish flush spread up from his tight tunic collar, Kallee blinked, and the unknown third's hand dropped to his sleep rod. An action which was not overlooked by either Dane or Ali.
”A smooth set down to you,” Jellico gave the conventional leave taking of the Service.
”You'd better--” the Eysie Captain began hotly, and then seeing the disc Van Rycke held--that sensitive bit of metal and plastic which was recording this interview for future reference, he shut his mouth tight.
”Yes?” the Queen's Cargo-master prompted politely. But Kallee had taken his Captain's arm and was urging Grange away from the s.p.a.cer.
”You have until noon to lift,” was Jellico's parting shot as the three in Company livery started toward the road.
”I don't think that they will,” he added to Van Rycke.
The Cargo-master nodded. ”You wouldn't in their place,” he pointed out reasonably. ”On the other hand they've had a bit of a blast they weren't expecting. It's been a long time since Grange heard anyone say 'no.'”
”A shock which is going to wear off,” Jellico's habitual distrust of the future gathered force.