Free The Rings of Haven by Ryk Brown Page A

stern look as a caution against conversing.
    “You’re too clean,” the man continued as he came out of the shadow cast by the building. “Volonese almost never shave. And their women are usually fat and ugly,” he added, eyeing Jessica as he spoke.
    “We’re going for a new look,” Nathan joked, ignoring Tobin’s warning.
    “Is there something we can do for you?” Tobin interjected, hoping to take over the exchange to prevent Nathan from saying something unwise.
    “We’ll take the job,” the man announced.
    “At eight percent? Minus fees and expenses?”
    “I believe your price was ten?”
    “Ah, but you seek to circumvent payment to the labor hall, do you not?” Tobin countered.
    “As do you,” the little man pointed out. “And I am the only one out here offering to take the job, sans the labor hall’s fee.” It was obvious that the young man was not new at this type of wheeling and dealing. Nathan found the process intriguing.
    “My mistake. Ten it was,” Tobin conceded. “And you can meet the terms of delivery? It is a rather fast job, considering the quota.”
    “It will not be a problem. We’ve got the best harvester pilot on all of Haven,” the man boasted.
    “Forgive me, I do not intend offense. But you seem a bit young for this job.”
    “Possibly, but maybe that’s why we’re willing to take the job for the measly rate you’re offering,” the man smiled. He obviously didn’t care if he was being offensive, which made Nathan want to hire him all the more.
    Tobin bowed his head in deference, refusing to take offense at the man’s rebut. “Perhaps. Then it is agreed. I assume your crew is ready to begin work immediately?”
    “No choice, not if we wanna complete the job in two days.”
    “Then have one of your representatives join me at berth four-thirteen for the ride up,” Tobin explained.
    “You people aren’t going?” the young man asked, as he circled slowly around them, paying particular attention to Jessica as he passed.
    “They have other business to conduct before returning to their ship.”
    “Uh huh.” The man smiled as he passed Jessica. “Shame. You definitely ain’t from Volon,” he grinned.
    Nathan smiled. He definitely liked this guy.

    “Find anything interesting?” Nathan asked his friend as they returned to Tobin’s vehicle.
    “Interesting, yes. But not useful,” Vladimir said. “But the day is still young, and Danik tells me there is very large open market where they sell used components for small spacecraft. It is on the other side of the spaceport.”
    “Captain,” Tobin called. He had finished making plans with the young man representing the harvesting team and had rejoined them. “I must return to my ship and escort the harvesting crew and their ships back to yours.”
    “Their ships ?” Nathan inquired, a bit surprised by the inference of multiple spacecraft.
    “These teams usually have at least two or three small ships. One harvester that collects material from the rings and delivers it back to your ship, and one or two cargo shuttles to haul equipment and workers, as well as to ferry some of the harvested material back to Haven for resale in order to collect your payment and theirs. I have instructed them to use at least two ships for hauling back to Haven, as I expect you will require significant resources with which to purchase the supplies you desire.”
    “Sir,” Jessica interrupted. “I’d recommend we send Ensign Mendez and Sergeant Weatherly back to the ship with them. I’d feel better if Enrique kept an eye on the harvesting operations in my absence.”
    “Very well,” Nathan agreed. “Tobin, can you take two of my people back with you?”
    “Of course, Captain. I should return to Haven within a few hours at the most. Meanwhile, might I suggest that you spend some time in our street markets. Perhaps try some of our local cuisine. You may find something you wish to purchase for use on your vessel. I’m sure Jalea