Free Shadow Force 1: the Garden Planet by J.R. O'Neill Page B

have him come out to the ship where we will make our pitch to sell the girls. We will explain how we acquired them and...”
    “How did we acquire them?” I interrupted.
    “Well, we did a very dangerous job for an illegal mining station. When it was time to pay they didn’t have enough credits to cover our fee. So, when threatened with the destruction of their station, they offered us two highly trained rest and recreation girls that had just recently been delivered, not yet having been placed in circulation. So after seeing and trying the merchandise we accepted the offer knowing that we could easily sell them for double what was owed.”
    “Okay, how do we handle the Carliteume delivery?”
    “I’m assuming that Harrod will have arranged for transport of that cargo; a transport he’ll accompany to Anwar’s headquarters to ensure delivery. Then that job done, he’ll see if he can stir up some interest in a couple of beautiful and well trained slave girls. After that we will play it by ear.”
    Two hours after landing we welcomed Harrod on board. He was a nondescript Arab of medium height and build, probably about forty years old.
    “The merchandise? It is secure?” Harrod opened the conversation.
    “Of course, if you care to follow us to the cargo bay you can see for yourself.” I said.
    “That would be fine.” He replied.
    “Follow us then.” I said and led the way out of the airlock and down to the bowels of the ship. After inspecting the canisters we returned to the main deck and the lounge to try and interest Harrod in our deal.
    “The cargo has checked out perfectly. It is good to do business with honorable thieves.” Harrod said.
    “We are not necessarily thieves.” Max said, “We are mercenaries, we don’t steal unless we are paid to.”
    “Even better.” Harrod replied.
    “We have some other merchandise you might be interested in.” Max said.
    “Really, and what would that be?”
    “Perhaps it would be best to show you.” I said.
    “Please do, you have my interest piqued.” Harrod replied.
    We led Harrod down to the row of holding cells, specifically cell three. I entered the code that would open the door. As it slid aside I had a hard time covering my surprise at the scene that greeted us. Sara and Izzy were seated on the lounge wearing very sexy and see through negligees.
    “Oooh someone new to play with.” Izzy said as she walked over to Harrod and began running her hands over his body.
    “Not now.” Max said. “This is business.”
    “Oh pooh.” Izzy said as she backed off a few paces.
    “Harrod, these two are fully trained rest and recreation specialists that we acquired as payment for a job. Now we hear that some parties on this planet will pay well for merchandise such as this.”
    “They’re exquisite.” Harrod said. “I must see more!”
    This was already getting out of hand. I felt like strangling Max for getting us into this. Still, there was nothing I could do but play along.
    “Girls,” Max said.
    Sara rose off the couch and slowly, sexily, removed her negligee. Then, walking over to Izzy she slipped the flimsy garment off of her, letting her hand linger on Izzy’s naked body. They then went over and started caressing Harrod. After a short time Harrod stepped back.
    “Enough.” He said “How much must one pay to enjoy these beautiful creatures?”
    “Sorry, Harrod. They're not for rent, only for sale.” I said.
    “The price?” He asked his voice cracking.
    “We will start the bidding at one million credits.” Max said. “Each.”
    “That is extremely high, even for such as these.” Harrod stated.
    “But worth every credit.” I said. “They have been trained in all the disciplines of pleasure. One could lie with either for years and never have the same experience twice.” I started, drawing on what Sara had told me earlier.
    “No man will pay that price without experiencing the merchandise first.” Harrod said.
    “A bidder need only deliver