Free AGU SCI 1: The Star Brotherhood by Thomas DePrima

they've tried, but I've never heard of them paying others to do the deed when the matter is a blood feud. So what's your best guess? Was it only the Tsgardi threat?"
    "Knowing a little about Cillota, I'd tend to believe rumors one or three. But if I were you, I'd make myself scarce for a while. And speaking of which— I just happen to have a way."
    Vyx smiled. "I thought you might. Tell me about it."
    "I already have. It's the contract we discussed recently."
    "The contract where I don't get to learn what the cargo is?"
    "I guarantee on my life that it won't violate any of the rules you've established. The cargo doesn't contain volatile explosives or dangerous biohazardous materials. And all cargo containers will be irradiated to destroy pests before the containers are sealed and brought to your ship."
    "What's the destination?"
    "As I've said before, you'll be given that information when you're ready to leave orbit. It should take your ship three months to reach the rendezvous point."
    "Why not just have the ship pick up the cargo here?"
    "Security. This is the way the shipper wants it to be. No one except a few key people, and you, will know who is actually carrying the cargo to its destination. Besides, if the other ship could come here, the shipper wouldn't need yours."
    "And if Space Command attempts interdiction?"
    "I would strongly advise that you avoid any and all contact with Space Command. If you're stopped and searched, you will lose your ship and your freedom. But then that's the chance a smuggler is always taking when he accepts an illegal cargo, and why it pays so well."
    "Speaking of which?"
    "Fifteen million."
    "Fifteen million what?" Vyx asked warily.
    "Why Bleadalto bucks, of course. That's the currency we use here."
    "No way. I want GA credits."
    "Uh. I might be able to convince the shipper to pay in Uthlarigasset cifeds. Say— five million cifeds?"
    "GA credits or nothing. Bucks aren't worth the paper they're printed on, and cifeds are really only useful on Uthlarigasset."
    "Any merchant on Bleadalto will be happy to accept cifeds."
    "GA credits or I'm not interested," Vyx said firmly.
    "Very well. Uh— one million GA credits."
    "One million, five hundred thousand."
    "One million three."
    "One million four."
    "Done. One million, four hundred thousand."
    "When will the shipment be ready?" Vyx asked. "I'd like to get away from here and give things a chance to calm down."
    "It's ready now. As I understand the situation, a ship was supposed to take the cargo weeks ago, but mechanical problems have sidelined that ship for two more months. The shipper is getting extremely nervous, fearing one of the crime groups here may try to hijack the cargo from the storage location. The shipper has approved you for the transit, if we could come to terms. It will be delivered to your ship tomorrow."
    "Who will be delivering it?"
    "As the broker, I'll be present to act as liaison between the parties and resolve any issues."
    "Okay. We'll deliver the cargo and be back here in six months. Make sure the payment is ready."
    "The payment will, of course, be invested for a six-month term with my banker. After that, the money will be placed into a daily investment account that permits complete withdrawal with twenty-four hours' notice. If you have successfully delivered the shipment and the seals are intact at the point of delivery, you will receive your payment within one business day after your return here."
    Vyx stood up as he said, "We'll be waiting for you tomorrow. My ship will lift off as soon as the cargo is aboard."
    "It's a pleasure doing business with you, Trader. Until tomorrow."
    Vyx nodded toward Byers, then walked to the tavern door where he scanned the street before stepping outside. Byers followed just behind him, also alert for any possible trouble. Ker Blaswetta held back, as if fearful to leave the tavern at the same time as Vyx.
    Spotting a driverless oh-gee taxi coming down the street, Vyx hailed it. As it