September 26, 2025 • 54 mins
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Gambler's World by Keith Lomer. Retif paused before a tall
mirror to check the overlap of the four sets of
lapels that ornamented the vermilion cutaway of a first Secretary
and consul. Come along, Retif, Magnan said, the Ambassador has
(00:20):
a word to say to the staff before we go in.
I hope he isn't going to change the spontaneous speech
he plans to make with the Potentate impulsively suggests a
trade agreement along the lines they've been discussing for the
last two months. Your derisive attitude is uncalled for. Retif,
(00:41):
Magnan said, sharply, I think you realize it's delayed your
promotion in the corps. Ertif took a last glance in
the mirror. I'm not sure I want a promotion, he said,
it would mean more lapels. Ambassador Crodfaller pursed his lip,
waiting until Ratif and Magnum took places in the ring
(01:03):
of terrestrial diplomats around him. A word of caution, only, gentlemen,
he said, keep always foremost in your minds the necessity
for our identification with the Nenni caste. Even a hint
of familiarity with lower echelons could mean the failure of
the mission. Let us remember that the Nenni represent authority
(01:26):
here on patriarch. Their traditions must be observed, whatever our
personal preferences. Let's go along now, the Potentate will be
making his entrance any moment. Magnum came to Ratiff's side
as they moved toward the salon. The ambassador's remarks were
addressed chiefly to you, Ratif, he said, your laxness in
(01:50):
these matters is notorious. Naturally, I believe firmly in democratic
principles myself. Have you a feeling, mister Maggie, that there's
a lot going on here that we don't know about?
Magden nodded quite so. Ambassador Crodfoller's point exactly, Matters which
(02:11):
are not of concern to the Nenni are of no
concern to us. Another feeling I get is that the
Nenni aren't very bright. Now suppose I'm not given to suppositions, Ratif.
We're here to implement the policies of the Chief of Mission,
and I should dislike to be in the shoes of
a member of the staff whose conduct jeopardized the agreement.
(02:34):
That will be concluded here tonight. A bearer with a
tray of drinks rounded a fluted column, shied as he
confronted the diplomats, fumbled the tray, grabbed and sent a
glass crashing to the floor. Magnen leaked back, slapping at
the purple cloth of his pants. Leg Ratief's hand shot
(02:56):
out to steady the tray. The servant rolled, terrified eyes.
I'll take one of these, now that you're here, Ratief said.
He took a glass from the tray, winking at the servant.
No harm done, he said, mister Magnan's just warming up
for the big dance. A nanny majordomo bustled up, rubbing
(03:17):
his hands politely. Some trouble here, he said. What happened, honorables?
What what the blundering idiot? Magnan spluttered, How dare you're
quite an actor, mister Magnan, Bratief said, If I didn't
know about your democratic principles, I'd think you were really mad.
(03:39):
The servant ducked his head and scuttled away as this fellow,
the majordomo eyed the retreating bearer. I dropped my glass,
Ratief said, mister Magnu's upset because he hates to see
liquor wasted. Bertief turned to find himself face to face
(04:00):
with Ambassador Crodfoller. I witnessed that the Ambassador hissed by
the goodness of providence. The Potentate and his retinue haven't
appeared yet, but I can assure you the servants saw
it a more UNNNYI like display. I would find it
difficult to imagine. Retief arranged his features in an expression
(04:22):
of deep interest. More unnny like, sir, he said, I'm
not sure, bah. The Ambassador glared at retif your reputation
has preceded you, Sir, your name is associated with a
number of the most bizarre incidents in Core history. I'm
warning you, I'll tolerate nothing. He turned and stalked away.
(04:47):
Ambassador bating is a dangerous sport, Retief, Magden said. Ratif
took a swallow of his drink. Still, he said, it's
better than no sport at all. Your time would be
better spent observing the nnny mannerisms. Frankly, Retief, you're not
fitting into the group at all. Well, I'll be candid
(05:09):
with you, mister Magnan. The group gives me the willies, Oh,
the nunny you are are trifle frivolous. I'll concede, Magnum said,
But it's with them that we must deal, and you'd
be making a contribution to the overall mission if you
merely abandoned that rather arrogant manner of yours. Magnin looked
(05:29):
at Retief critically. You can't help your height, of course,
but couldn't you curve your back just a bit and
possibly assume a more placating expression, Just act a little
more girlish exactly. Magnin nodded, then looked sharply at Ratif.
(05:50):
Retief drained his glass and put it on a passing tray.
I'm better at acting girlish when I'm well juiced, he said,
But I can't face a night other sorgam and soda.
I suppose it would be unnanny like to slip the
bearer a credit and ask for a Scotch and water. Decidedly,
Magnig glanced toward a sound across the room. Ah, here's
(06:13):
the potentate now, he hurried off. Bertief watched the bearers
coming and going, bringing trays laden with drinks, carrying off empties.
There was a lull in the drinking Now, as the
diplomats gathered around, the periwigged Chief of State and his
courtiers bearers loitered near the service door, eyeing the notables,
(06:35):
Bertief strolled over to the service door pushed through it
into a narrow, white tiled hall filled with the odors
of the kitchen. Silent servants gaped as he passed, watching
as he moved along to the kitchen door and stepped inside.
Part two, A dozen or more low cast petriachans gathered
(06:56):
around a long table in the center of the room.
Looked up stard. A heap of long bladed bread knives,
French knives, carving knives, and cleavers lay in the center
of the table. Other knives were thrust into belts or
held in the hands of the men. A fat man
in the yellow sarong of a cook stood frozen in
the act of handing a knife to a tall, one
(07:18):
eyed sweeper. Ratif took one glance, then let his eyes
wander to a far corner of the room. Humming a
careless little tune, he sauntered across to the open liquor shells,
selected a garish green bottle, and turned unhurriedly back toward
the door. The group of servants watched him, transfixed. As
(07:39):
Ratif reached the door, it swung inward. Magnin's lips pursed.
Stood in the doorway. I had a premonition, he said,
I'll bet it was a dandy. Ratif said, you must
tell me all about it in the salon. We'll have
this out right here. Magnan snapped, I've warned you. Magnan's
(08:02):
voice trailed off as he took in the scene around
the table. After you, Ratif said, nudging Magnon toward the door.
What's going on here, Magnum barked. He stared at the
men started around Ratif. A hand stopped him. Let's be going,
Retief said, propelling Magnon toward the hall. Those knives. Magnan yelped,
(08:26):
take your hands off me, Ratiff, what are you men?
Ratif glanced back. The fat cook gestured suddenly, and the
men faded back. The cook stood arm cocked a knife
across his palm. Closed the door, and make no sound,
he said softly. Magnin pressed back against Retif. Let's run,
(08:51):
he faltered. Retif turned slowly, put his hands up. I
don't run very well, with a knife in my back.
He said, stand very still, Magnin, and do just what
he tells you. Take them out through the back. The
cook said, what does he mean? Magnum spluttered, here you silence,
(09:15):
the cook said, almost casually, Magnum gaped at him, closed
his mouth. Two of the men with knives came to
Retief's side and gestured, grinning broadly, let's go, peacocks, one said.
Retief and Magnin silently crossed the kitchen, went out the
back door, stopped on command, and stood waiting. The sky
(09:38):
was brilliant with stars. A gentle breeze stirred the tree
tops beyond the garden. Behind them. The servants talked in
low voices. You go too illy, the cook was saying,
do it here. Another said, and carry their damn dead
bodies down. Pitch him behind the hedge. I said, the
(10:02):
river three of you is plenty for a couple of nenny.
We don't know if they want to. They're foreigners, not NENNI.
We don't know, so their foreign Nenni makes no difference.
I've seen them. I need every man here, now get going.
What about the big guy, he looks tough him? He
(10:27):
waltzed into the room and didn't notice a thing, but
watched the other one at a prod from a knife point.
Retief moved off down the walk, two of the escort
behind him, and Magnum another going ahead to scout the way.
Magnan moved closer to Ratief say, he said, in a whisper.
(10:48):
That fellow in the lead, isn't he the one who
spilled the drink, the one you took the blame for.
That's him, all right. He doesn't seem nervous anymore. I
notice you saved him from serious punishment. Magnum said, he'll
be grateful. He'll let us go. Better, check with the
fellows with the knives before you act on that. Say
(11:12):
something to him. Magnan hissed, remind him. The lead man
fell back in line with Ratief and Magnon. These two
are scared of you, he said, grinning and jerking a
thumb toward the knife handlers. They haven't worked around the
NENNI like me. They don't know you. Don't you recognize
(11:34):
this gentleman, Magnum said, he did me a favor. The
man said, I remember, what's it all about? Ratief asked,
the revolution we're taking over now. Who's we the People's
Anti Fascist Freedom League? What are all the knives for?
(11:57):
For the nenny and for all you foreigners? What do
you mean, Magnum gasped. We'll slit all the throats at
one time. Saves a lot of running around. What time
will that be? Just at dawn? And dawn comes early
this time of year, by full daylight. The Paffel will
(12:18):
be in charge. You'll never succeed, Magnum said, a few
servants with knives. You'll all be caught and killed by
who the Nenny? The man laughed, You NENNI are a caution.
But we're not Nenni. We've watched you. You're the same,
(12:39):
You're part of the same blood sucking class. There are
better ways to adjust differences, Magnum said. This killing won't
help you. I'll personally see to it that your grievances
are heard in the core courts. I can assure you
that the plight of the downtrodden workers will be alleviated.
(13:00):
Rights for all these threats won't work, the man said,
you don't scare me threats. I'm promising relief to the
exploited classes of petrayc You must be nuts. The man said,
you trying to upset the system or something. Isn't that
(13:22):
the purpose of your revolution? Look, NENNI, we're tired of you, Ninny,
getting all the graft. We want our turn. What good
would it do us to run patrayc if there's no loot.
You mean you intend to oppress the people. But they're
your own group, group, schmoop, we're taking all the chances.
(13:43):
We're doing the work. We deserve the payoff. You think
we're throwing up good jobs for the fun of it.
You're basing a revolt on these cynical premises. WHI is up? Nenny?
There never has been a revolution for any other reason.
Who's in charge of this? Ratief? Said show K? The
(14:05):
head chef, I mean, the big boss who tells show
K what all to do. Oh that's Zorn. Look out,
here's where we start down the slope at slippery Look,
Magnan said you. My name's Illy. Mister Illy. This man
(14:25):
showed you mercy when he could have had you beaten.
Keep moving, Yeah, I said, I was grateful, Yes, Magnum said,
swallowing hard, a noble emotion, gratitude. You won't regret it.
I always try to pay back a good turn. Illy said,
watch your step now on this sea wall. You'll never
(14:48):
regret it. Magnum said, this is far enough. Elly motioned
to one of the knife men. Give me your knife. Bug.
The man passed the knife Illy. There was an odor
of sea mud and kelp. Small waves slapped against the
stones of the sea wall. The wind was stronger here.
(15:10):
I know a neat stroke, Illy said, practically painless. Who's first?
What do you mean? Magnan quavered, I said, I was grateful.
I'll do it myself. Give you a nice clean job.
You know, these amateurs botch it up and have a
guy flopping around, yelling and spattering everybody up. I'm first,
(15:36):
Ratief said. He pushed past Magnon, stopped, suddenly drove a
straight punch at Illy's mouth. The long blade flickered harmlessly
over Ratif's shoulder. As Illy fell, Ratif whirled leaped past. Magnan,
took the unarmed servant by the throat and belt, lifted
him and slammed him against the third man. Both scrambled, yelped,
(15:58):
and fell from the sea wall into the water. Ratief
turned back to Illy. He pulled off the man's belt
and strapped his hands together. Magnan found his voice. You
we they I know, Retief said, we've got to get back.
Magnan said, warn them. We'd never get through the rebel
(16:21):
cordon around the palace, and if we did, trying to
give an alarm would only set the assassinations off early.
We can't just we've got to go to the source.
This fellow's Zorn. Get him to call it off. We'd
be killed. At least we're safe here. Illy groaned and
opened his eyes. He sat up on your feet, Illy,
(16:45):
Retief said. Illy looked around. I'm sick. He said, the
damp air is bad for you. Let's be going. Ratief
pulled the man to his feet. Where does Zorn stay
when he's in town? He demanded? What happened? Where's Vug?
And they had an accident? Fell in the pond. Gilly
(17:09):
gazed down at the restless black water. I guess I
had you, Nenny figured wrong. Us NENNI have hidden qualities.
Let's get moving before Vug and Slug make it to
shore and start it all over again. No hurry, Hilly said,
they can't swim. He spat into the water. So long, Vug,
(17:33):
so long? Tossin, take a pull at the hell horn
for me. He started off along the sea wall toward
the sound of the surf. You want to see Zorn,
I'll take you to see Zorn, he said. I can't
swim either. Part three, I take it. Retief said that
(17:56):
the casino was affront for his political activities. He makes
plenty off it. This pafful is a new kick. I
never heard about it until it may be a couple
months ago. Ratief motioned toward a dark shed with an
open door. We'll stop here, he said, long enough to
strip the gadgets off these uniforms. Illy hands strapped behind
(18:21):
his back stood by and watched as Retief and Magnum
removed metals, ribbons, orders, and insignia from the formal diplomatic garments.
This may help some, Ratief said. If the word is
out that two diplomats are loose, it's a breeze. Illy said,
we see cats in purple and orange tailcoats all the time.
(18:45):
I hope you're right, Ratief said, But if we're called,
you'll be the first to go. Willy, you're a funny
kind of nenny, Hilly said, eyeing Retief, Tossin and vug
must be wondering what happened to them. If you think
I'm good at drowning people, you ought to see me
with a knife. Let's get going. It's only a little
(19:10):
way now, Hilly said, But you better untie me. Somebody's
liable to stick their nose in and get me killed.
I'll take the chance. How do we get to the casino?
We follow this street. It twists around and goes under
a couple tunnels. When we get to the drunkard's stairs,
(19:30):
we go up and it's right in front of us,
a pink front with a sign like a big luck wheel.
Give me your belt, Magnon, Ratief said. Magnan handed it over.
Lie down, Illy, Ratief said. The servant looked at Ratif.
Bug and Tossin will be glad to see me, he said,
(19:52):
but they'll never believe me. He lay down. Ratief strapped
his feet together and stuffed a handkerchief in his mouth.
Why are you doing that, Magnan asked. We need him,
We know the way, and we don't need anyone to
announce our arrival. It's only on three D that you
can march a man through a gang of his pals
(20:13):
with a finger in his back. Magnin looked at the man.
Maybe you'd better cut his throat, he said, Illy rolled
his eyes. That's a very unnetty like suggestion, mister Magnan,
Retief said, if we have any trouble finding the casino,
(20:33):
I'll give it serious thought. There were few people in
the narrow street. Shops were shuttered, windows dark. Maybe they're
heard about the coup, Magnan said, they're lying low. More
likely they're at the palace picking up their knives. They
rounded a corner, stepped over a man curled in the gutter,
(20:55):
snoring heavily, and found themselves at the foot of a
long flight of littered stones. The drunkard's stairs are plainly marked.
Magnan sniffed, I hear sounds up there, Ratif said, sounds
of merrymaking. Maybe we'd better go back. Merrymaking doesn't scare me,
(21:16):
Ratief said, come to think of it, I don't know
what the word means. He started up, Magnan behind him.
At the top of the long stair, a dense throng
milled in the alley like street. A giant illuminated roulette
wheel revolves slowly above them. A loud speaker blared the
chant of the croupiers from the tables. Inside. Magnin and
(21:39):
Ratiff moved through the crowd toward the wide open doors.
Magnan plucked at Ratif's sleeve. Are you sure we ought
to push right in like this? Maybe we ought to
wait a bit. Look around. When you're waere, you have
no business being, Ratief said, Always stride along purposefully. If
(22:00):
you loiter, people begin to get curious. Inside, a mob
packed the wide, low ceiling room clustered about gambling devices
in the form of towers, tables, and basins. What do
we do now, Magnet asked, we gamble? How much money
do you have in your pockets? Why? A few credits?
(22:23):
Magnet handed the money to Ratief. But what about the
man's orn? A purple cutaway is conspicuous enough without ignoring
the tables, Ratief said, We've got a hundred credits between us.
We'll get the zorn in due course. I hope your
pleasure jents, A bullet headed man said, eyeing the colorful
(22:46):
evening clothes of the diplomats, you'll be one to try
your luck at the zoop tower. I guess a game
for real sporting gents. Why um, Magnum said, what's the
zoop tower? Retief asked out of towners. Hey, the bullet
headed man shifted his dope stick to the other corner
(23:08):
of his mouth. Zoop is a great little game. Two
teams of players buy into the pot. Each player takes
a lever. The object is to make the ball drop
from the top of the tower into your net. Okay,
what's the antie. I've got one hundred credit pot working now, gents,
(23:28):
Raretief nodded, we'll try it. The shill led the way
to an eight foot tower mounted on gimbals. Two perspiring
men and trade class pullovers gripped two of the levers
that controlled the tilt of the tower. A white ball
lay in a hollow in the thick glass platform at
the top. From the center. An intricate pattern of grooves
(23:49):
led out to the edge of the glass. Retief and
Magnum took chairs before the two free levers. When the
light goes on, gents, work the lever to jack the tower.
You got three gears. Takes a good arm to work
top gear. That's this button here. The little knob controls
what way you're going. May the best team win. I'll
(24:12):
take the hundred credits. Now, Ratief handed over the money.
A red light flashed on and Ratief tried the lever.
It moved easily with a ratcheting sound. The tower trembled
slowly tilted toward the two perspiring workmen pumping frantically at
their levers. Magnus started slowly accelerated as he saw the
(24:33):
direction the tower was taking. Faster Retief, he said, they're winning.
This is against the clock. Gents, the bullet headed man said,
if nobody wins, when the light goes off, the house
takes all crank it over to the left. Ratief said,
I'm getting tired. Shift to a lower gear. The tower leaned,
(24:58):
The ball stirred, rolled into a concentric channel. Ratiff shifted
to middle gear, worked the lever. The tower creaked to
a stop. Started back upright. There isn't any lower gear,
Magnan gasped. One of the two on the other side
of the tower shifted to middle gear. The other followed suit.
(25:19):
They worked harder, now heaving against the stiff levers. The
tower quivered moved slowly toward their side. I'm exhausted, Magnum gasped.
He dropped the lever, lulled back in the chair, gulping air.
Retief shifted position, took Magnum's lever with his left hand,
(25:39):
shifted to middle gear. Retief said, Magnum gulped, punched the
button and slumped back, panting my arm. He said, I've
injured myself. The two men in pullovers conferred hurriedly as
they cranked their levers. Then one punched the button and
the other reached a cross, using his left arm to help.
(26:01):
They've shifted to high, Magnan said, give up, it's hopeless.
Shift me to high. Ratief said, both buttons. Magnum complied.
Bratiif's shoulders bulged. He brought one lever down then the other, alternately,
slowly at first, then faster. The tower jerked tilted toward him.
(26:23):
Farther the ball rolled in the channel found an outlet. Abruptly,
both Ratief's lever's froze, The tower trembled, wavered, and moved back.
Retief heaved one lever, folded at the base, bent down
and snapped off short. Ratif braced his feet, took the
(26:43):
other lever with both hands and pulled. There was a
rasp of metal friction and a loud twang. The lever
came free, a length of broken cable flopping into view.
The tower fell over as the two on the other
side scrambled aside. Hey, bullet Head yelled, you wrecked my equipment.
(27:04):
Her Tief got up and faced him. Does Zorn know
you've got your tower rigged for suckers? You trying to
call me a cheat or something? The crowd had fallen back,
wringing the two men. Bullet Head glanced around with a
lightning motion. He plucked a knife from somewhere. That'll be
five hundred credits for the equipment, he said. Nobody calls
(27:27):
Kippy a cheat. Her Tief picked up the broken lever.
Don't make me hit you with us, you cheap chiseler.
Kippy looked at the bar comin in here, he said, indignantly,
looking to the crowd for support. Bustin' up my rig,
callin names. I want a hundred credits, Heertief said, Now
(27:51):
highway robbery. Kippy yelled, better pay up. Somebody called hit him, mister,
someone else said. A broad shouldered man with graying hair
pushed through the crowd and looked around. You heard him, Kippy, give,
he said. The chill growled, but tucked his knife away. Reluctantly,
(28:14):
he peeled a bill from a fat roll and handed
it over. The newcomer looked from Retief to Magnin. Pick
another game, Strangers, he said, Kippy made a little mistake.
This is small time stuff. Retief said, I'm interested in
something big. The broad shouldered man lit a perfumed dope stick.
(28:38):
What would you call big, he said softly. What's the
biggest you've got. The man narrowed his eyes, smiling. Maybe
you'd like to try a slam. Tell me about it
over here. The crowd opened up made a path. Fortief
(28:59):
and Magnin followed across the room to a brightly lit,
glass walled box. There was an arm sized opening at
waist height. Inside was a hand grip, a two foot
plastic globe. A quarter full of chips hung in the center.
Apparatus was mounted at the top of the box. Slam
pays good odds, the man said, you can go as
(29:20):
high as you like. Chips cost you one hundred credits.
You start it up by dropping a chip in here,
he indicated a slot. You take the hand grip. When
you squeeze, it unlocks, the globe starts to turn. You
can see it's full of chips. There's a hole at
the top. As long as you hold the grip, the
(29:42):
bowl turns. The harder you squeeze, the faster it turns.
Eventually it'll turn over to where the hole is down
and the chips fall out. On the other hand, there's
contact plates spotted around the bowl. When one of them
lines up with a live contact, you get a little jolt,
guaranteed non lethal. All you've got to do is hold
(30:05):
on long enough and you'll get the payoff. How often
does this random pattern put the hole down? Anywhere from
three minutes to fifteen with the average run of players. Oh,
by the way, one more thing. That lead block up there.
The man motioned with his head toward a one foot
(30:25):
cube suspended by a thick cable. It's rig to drop
every now and again, averages five minutes. A warning light
flashes first, you can take a chance sometimes the lights
of bluff. You can set the clock back on it
by dropping another chip, or you can let go the grip.
(30:46):
Ratief looked at the massive block of metal that would
mess up a man's dealing hand, wouldn't it. The last
two jokers who were too cheap to feed. The machine
had to have them off their arms. I mean that
leads heavy stuff. I don't suppose your machine as a
habit of getting stuck like kippies. The broad shouldered man frowned.
(31:11):
You're a stranger, he said, you don't know any better.
It's a fair game, mister. Someone called, where do I
buy the chips? The man smiled, I'll fix you up.
How many one A big spender? Eh? The man snickered,
but handed over a large plastic chip, part four. Retief
(31:36):
stepped to the machine, dropped the coin. If you want
to change your mind, the man said, you can back
out now. All it'll cost you is the chip you dropped.
Retief reached through the hole, took the grip. It was leather,
padded hand filling. He squeezed it. There was a click,
and bright lights sprang up. The crowd owed. The globe
(31:59):
began to twirl lazily. The four inch hole at its
top was plainly visible. If ever the hole gets in position,
it will empty very quickly, Magnan said, hopefully. Suddenly, a
brilliant white light flooded the glass cage. A sound went
up from the spectators. Quick drop a chip. Someone called,
(32:21):
you've only got ten seconds. Let go. Magnan yelped Foreretief
sat silent, holding the grip, frowning up at the weight.
The globe twirled faster now than the bright white light
winked off a bluff. Magnan gasped, that's risky, stranger, the
(32:42):
grave templed man said. The globe was turning rapidly now,
oscillating from side to side. The hole seemed to travel
in a wavering loop, dipping lower, swinging up high, then
down again. It has to move to the bottom soon,
Magnum said, slow it down. The slower it goes, the
(33:02):
longer it takes to get to the bottom. Someone said
there was a crackle, and Retief stiffened. Magnan heard a
sharp intake of breath. The globe slowed, and Retief shook
his head, blinking. The broad shouldered man glanced at a meter.
You took pretty near a full jolt that time, he said.
(33:23):
The hole in the globe was tracing an oblique course,
now swinging to the center, then below a little longer.
Magnun said, that's the best speed I ever seen on
the slam ball. Someone said, how much longer can he
hold it? Magnan looked at Ratif's knuckles. They showed white
(33:45):
against the grip. The globe tilted farther, swung around, then down.
Two chips fell out, clattered down a chute and into
a box. We're ahead, Magnum said, let's quit. Retief shook
his head. The globe rotated, dipped again. Three chips fell.
She's ready. Someone called, it's bound to hit soon. Another
(34:09):
voice added excitedly, come on, mister, slow down. Magden said, so,
I won't move past too quickly. Speed it up before
that lead block gets you. Someone called. The hole swung wide,
over the top, then down the side. Chips reined out
of the hole. Six eight next pass, a voice called
(34:34):
the white light flooded the cage. The globe whirled, the hole,
slid over the top, down down, A chip fell, two more.
Her teeth half rose, clamped his jaw and crushed the grip.
Sparks flew. The globe slowed, chips spewing. It stopped, swung back,
(34:54):
waited by the mass of chips at the bottom, and
stopped again. With the hole centered. Chips cascaded down the
chute filled the box before Ratiff spilled on the floor.
The crowd yelled Ratif released the grip and withdrew his
arm at the same instant that the lead block slammed down.
Good Lord Magnan said, I felt that through the floor.
(35:20):
Ratif turned to the broad shouldered man. This game's all
right for beginners, he said, But I'd like to talk
a really big gamble. Why don't we go to your office,
mister Zorn. Your proposition interests me, Sorn said, grinding out
the stump of his dope stick in a brash ashtray.
(35:41):
But there's some angles to this I haven't mentioned yet.
You are a gambler's orn, not a suicide Ratif said.
Take what I've offered. The other idea was fancier. I agree,
but it won't work. How do I know you birds
aren't lying, Zorn snarled. He stood up, strode up and
(36:02):
down the room. You walk in here and tell me
I'll have a task force on my neck that the
Corps won't recognize my regime. Maybe you're right, but I've
got other contacts they say different. He whirled, stared at Ratief.
I have pretty good assurance that once I put it over,
(36:22):
the Corps will have to recognize me as the legal
government of patriarch. They won't meddle in internal affairs. Nonsense.
Magnum spoke up. The Corps will never deal with a
pack of criminals calling themselves. Watch your language, you, Zordan rasped,
I admit mister Magnan's point as little weak. Ratief said,
(36:46):
but you're overlooking something. You plan to murder a dozen
or so officers of the Corps diplomatiq Terrestrianne along with
the local wheels. The Corps won't overlook that. It can't
luck they're in the middle, Zorn muttered. Our offer is
extremely generous, mister Zorn, Magnum said, the post you'll get
(37:10):
will pay you very well. Indeed, as against the certain
failure of your plan coup, the choice should be simple,
Sorn eyed Magnin offering me a job, it sounds phony
as hell. I thought you birds were goodie goodie diplomats.
It's time you knew. Ratief said, there's no phonier business
(37:32):
in the galaxy than diplomacy. You'd better take it, mister Zorn,
Magnum said, don't push me, Junior. Zorn said, you two
walk into my headquarters empty handed and big mouthed. I
don't know what I'm talking to you for the answer
is no, n I X no. Who are you afraid of?
(37:57):
Ratif said softly Zorn and glared at him. Where do
you get that afraid routine? I'm top man here. Don't
kid around, Zorn. Somebody's got you under their thumb. I
can see you squirming from here. What if I let
your boys alone, Soren said, suddenly, the cor won't have
(38:19):
anything to say then? Huh? The Core has plans for
petrayc Sorn. You aren't part of them? A revolution right now?
Isn't part of them? Having the potentate and the whole
Nenny cast slaughtered? Isn't part of them? Do I make
myself clear? Listen? Soren said, urgently, pulling a chair around.
(38:42):
I'll tell you guys a few things. You ever heard
of a world they call Routun? Certainly, Magnum said, it's
a near neighbor of yours. Another backward that is emergent. Okay,
Sorn said, You guys think I'm a pipe? Do you well?
Let me wise you up. The Federal Junta on Ratun
(39:05):
is backing my play. I'll be recognized by Rotun, and
the Rotun fleet will stand by in case I need
any help, I'll present the CDT with what you call
a feta coompli. What does Ratun get out of this?
I thought they were your traditional enemies. Don't get me wrong.
(39:25):
I've got no use for Ratun. But our interests happened
to coincide, right now, do they? Ratif smiled grimly. You
can spot a sucker as soon as he comes through
that door out there. But you go for a deal
like this, What do you mean, Zorn looked angrily at Ratief.
(39:46):
It's fool proof. After you get in power, you'll be
fast friends with Rotun? Is that it friends? Hell? Just
give me time to get set and I'll square a
few things with that exactly. And what do you suppose
they have in mind for you? What are you getting at?
(40:06):
Why is Rotun interested in your takeover? Zorin studied Ratif's face.
I'll tell you why, he said. It's you birds, you
and your trade agreement. You're here to tie Patraych into
some kind of trade combine that cuts Rotun out. Well,
we're doing all right out here. We don't need any
(40:27):
commitments to a lot of fancy pants on the other
side of the galaxy. That's what Rotun has sold you, eh,
Ratief said, smiling, sold nothing. Zorin ground out his dope
stick lit another, he snorted angrily. Okay, what's your idea,
(40:47):
he asked after a moment. You know what Patraych is
getting in the way of imports as a result of
the agreement, Sure, a lot of junk. To be specific,
Ratief said, there'll be fifty thousand tattone B three dry washers,
one hundred thousand glow float motile lamps, one hundred thousand
(41:08):
earthworm minor garden cultivators, twenty five thousand vaco space heaters,
and seventy five thousand replacement elements for four monomeg drives.
Like I said, a lot of junk, Ratief leaned back,
looking sardonically at Zorn. Here's the gimmick, Sorn, he said.
(41:31):
The Corp is getting a little tired of Patrych and
Rotun carrying on their twopenny war out here. Your privateers
have a nasty habit of picking on innocent bystanders. After
studying both sides, the Corps has decided Petrayec would be
a little easier to do business with, so this trade
agreement was worked out. The Corps can't openly sponsor an
(41:53):
arm shipment to a belligerent, But personal appliances are another story.
So what do we do? Plow him under with backyard cultivators.
Soorm looked at Retief, puzzled, what's the point? You take
the sealed monitor unit from the washer, the repellor field
(42:13):
generator from the lamp, the converter control from the cultivator,
et cetera, et cetera. You fit these together according to
some very simple instructions. Presto, you have one hundred thousand
standard class y hand blasters, just the thing to turn
the tide in a stalemated war fought with obsolete arms.
(42:35):
Good Lord Magnus said, Retief, are you I have to
tell him? Ratief said, he has to know what he's
putting his neck into. Weapons, hey, Zorn said, and Rotun
knows about it. Sure they know about it. It's not
too hard to figure out. And there's more. They want
(42:57):
the CDT delegation included in the massacre for a reason.
It will put Petrayec out of the picture. The trade
agreement will go to Rotun, and you and your new
regime will find yourselves looking down the muzzles of your
own blasters. Sorn threw his dope stick to the floor
with a snarl. I should have smelled something when that
(43:18):
rotun smoothie made his pitch. Zorn looked at his watch.
I've got two hundred armed men in the palace. We've
got about forty minutes to get over there before the
rocket goes up. Part five. You'd better stay here on
this terrace, out of the way until I've spread the word,
(43:39):
Zorn said. Just in case, let me caution you against
any slip ups, mister Zorn. Magnum said the NENNI are
not to be molested. Sorn looked at Ratief. Your friend
talks too much, he said. I'll keep my end of it.
He'd better keep his. Nothing's happened yet, you're sure, Magnum said,
(44:05):
I'm sure. Zorn said, ten minutes to go, plenty of time.
I'll just step into the salon to assure myself that
all is well. Magnum said, suit yourself. Zorn said, just
stay clear of the kitchen or you'll get your throat cut.
He sniffed at his dope stick. What's keeping showca he muttered.
(44:30):
Magnum stepped to a tall glass door, eased it open,
and poked his head through the heavy draperies. As he
moved to draw back. A voice was faintly audible. Magnin paused,
head still through the drapes. What's going on there? Sorn
raft He and Retief stepped up behind Magnon breath of air,
(44:51):
ha ha. Magnum was saying, well, come along, Magnan. Ambassador
Crodfoller's voice snapped and shifted from one foot to the other,
then pushed through the drapes. Where have you been, mister Magnan.
The Ambassador's voice was sharp, Oh, a slight accident, mister ambassador.
(45:14):
What's happened to your shoes? Where are your insignia and decorations?
I am spilled a drink on them, sir Ah, listen.
The sound of an orchestra came up, suddenly, blaring a fanfare.
Sorn shifted restlessly ere against the glass. What's your friend pulling?
He rasped. I don't like this, Keep cool, Zorn Ratief said,
(45:40):
mister Magnan is doing a little emergency salvage on his career.
The music died away with a clatter. My god, Ambassador
Crodfoller's voice was faint. Magnin, you'll be knighted for this.
Thank god you reach me. Thank god it's not too late.
I'll find some excuse. I'll get a gram off at once.
(46:02):
But you it's all right, Magnan. You were in time.
Another ten minutes and the agreement would have been signed
and transmitted. The wheels would have been put in motion.
My career ruined. Ratif felt a prod at his back.
He turned double crossed, Zorn said softly, so much for
(46:23):
the word of a diplomat. Ratif looked at the short
barreled needler in Zorn's hand. I see you head your bets, Zorn,
he said. We'll wait here, Zorn said, until the excitement's over. Inside.
I wouldn't want to attract any attention right now. Your
(46:44):
politics are still lousy, Zorn. The picture hasn't changed, Your
coup hasn't got a chance skip it. I'll take up
one problem at a time. Magnan's mouth has a habit
of falling open at the wrong time. That's my good
luck that I heard it. So there'll be no agreement,
no guns, no fat job for Tammany. Zorn. Hey, well,
(47:08):
I can still play it the other way. What have
I got to lose with a movement too quick to follow,
Ratif's hand chopped down across Zorn's wrist. The kneedler clattered
as Zorn reeled, and then Ratif's hand clamped Sorn's arm
and whirled him around. In answer to your last question,
Ratief said, your neck. You haven't got a chance, double crosser.
(47:33):
Sorn gasped. Show k will be here in a minute,
Ratief said, tell him it's all off. Twist harder, mister
Zorn said, bring it off at the shoulder. I'm telling
him nothing. The kitting's over, Zorn. Ratief said, call it
off or I'll kill you. I believe you, Sorn said,
(47:59):
but you won't have one long to remember it. All
the killing will be for nothing, Ratief said, You'll be
dead and the Rotuns will step into the power of vacuum.
So what when I die the world ends? Suppose I
make you another offer, Zorn? Why would it be any
(48:20):
better than the last one? Chisler. Ratif released Zorn's arm,
pushed him away, stooped and picked up the needler. I
could kill you, Zorn. You know that. Go ahead. Ratif
reversed the needler held it out. I'm a gambler too,
Zorn I'm gambling. You'll listen to what I have to say.
(48:41):
Zorn snatched the gun, stepped back. He looked at Ratif.
That wasn't the smartest bet you ever made, mister, But
go ahead. You've got maybe ten seconds. Nobody double crossed you,
Zorn Magnum put his foot in it. Too bad? Is
that a reason to kill yourself? A lot of other
people who've bet their lives on you, they gambled and lost, tough.
(49:07):
Maybe you haven't lost yet. If you don't quit, get
to the point, Ratief spoke earnestly for a minute and
a half. Zorn stood gun aimed, listening. Then both men turned.
His footsteps approached along the terrace. A fat man in
a yellow sarong padded up to Zorn. Sorn tucked the
(49:28):
needler in his waistban hold everything, show k, he said.
Tell the boys to put the knives away. Spread the
word fast. It's all off. I want to commend you, Retif,
Ambassador Crodfowler said, expansively, you mix very well at last
night's affair. Actually I was hardly aware of your presence.
(49:52):
I've been studying mister Magnus's work, Ratief said, A good
man magnum in a crowd, he's virtually invisible. He knows
when to disappear. All right, this has been, in many
ways a model operation, Ratif. The Ambassador patted his paunch contentedly.
(50:13):
By observing local social customs and blending harmoniously with a court,
I've succeeded in establishing a fine, friendly working relationship with
a potentate. I understand the agreement has been postponed. The
ambassador chuckled. The Potentate's a crafty one. Through a special
(50:35):
study I have been conducting, I learned last night that
he had hoped to, shall I say, put one over
on the core great heavens, Ratief said, naturally, this placed
me in a difficult position. It was my task to
quash this gambut without giving any indication that I was
(50:55):
aware of its existence. A harry position, indeed, Ertif said,
quite casually, I informed the Potentate that certain items which
have been included in the terms of the agreement had
been deleted and others substituted. I admired him at that moment, Ratif.
He took it coolly, appearing completely indifferent, perfectly dissembling his
(51:20):
very serious disappointment. I noticed him dancing with three girls
wearing a bunch of grapes. Apiece. He's very agile for
a man of his bulk. You mustn't discount the potentate. Remember,
beneath that mask of frivolity, he had absorbed a bitter blow.
He had me fooled. Ratif said, don't feel badly, I
(51:45):
confess at first I failed to sense his shrewdness. The
Ambassador nodded and moved off along the quarter. Ratif turned
and went into an office. Magnin looked up from his desk. Ah,
He said, Rittie, I've been meaning to ask you about
the uh blasters? Are you? Retief leaned on Magnum's desk,
(52:08):
looked at him. I thought that was to be our
little secret. Well, naturally, I Magnum closed his mouth swallowed.
How is it, Retief? He said, sharply that you were
aware of this blaster business when the ambassador himself wasn't easy.
(52:29):
Retief said, I made it up you what? Magnan looked wild.
But the agreement it's been revised. Ambassador Crodfoller has gone
on record too bad. Glad I didn't tell him about it.
Magnum leaned back and closed his eyes. It was big
(52:51):
of you to take all the blame, Ratief said. When
the ambassador was talking about knighting people, Magnan and opened
his eyes. What about that gambler, Zorn? Won't he be upset?
It's all right, Ratief said, I made another arrangement. The
business about making blasters out of common components wasn't completely imaginary.
(53:16):
You can actually do it using parts from an old
fashioned disposal unit. What good will that do him, Magnan whispered,
looking nervous. We're not shipping in any old fashioned disposal units.
We don't need to, Ratief said. They're already installed in
the palace kitchen and in a few thousand other places.
(53:38):
Zorn tells me if this ever leaks, Magnet put a
hand to his forehead. I have his word on it
that the nanny slaughter is out. This place is ripe
for a change. Maybe Zorn is what it needs. But
how can we know, Magnan yelped. How can we be
sure we can? Ratif said, But it's not up to
(54:02):
the course to meddle in Patrayech's internal affairs. He leaned over,
picked up Magnan's desk lighter, and lit a cigar. He
blew a cloud of smoke toward the ceiling. Right. Magnan
looked at him and nodded weakly. Right, I'd better be
getting along to my desk, Radif said, now that the
(54:24):
Ambassador feels that I'm settling down at last, Ratif Magnum said, tonight,
I implore you stay out of the kitchen, no matter what.
Ratif raised his eyebrows. I know, Magnan said, if you
hadn't interfered, we'd all have had our throats cut. But
at least, he added, we'd have died in accordance with regulations.
(54:51):
End of story
Gambler's World by Keith Lomer. Retif paused before a tall
mirror to check the overlap of the four sets of
lapels that ornamented the vermilion cutaway of a first Secretary
and consul. Come along, Retif, Magnan said, the Ambassador has
(00:20):
a word to say to the staff before we go in.
I hope he isn't going to change the spontaneous speech
he plans to make with the Potentate impulsively suggests a
trade agreement along the lines they've been discussing for the
last two months. Your derisive attitude is uncalled for. Retif,
(00:41):
Magnan said, sharply, I think you realize it's delayed your
promotion in the corps. Ertif took a last glance in
the mirror. I'm not sure I want a promotion, he said,
it would mean more lapels. Ambassador Crodfaller pursed his lip,
waiting until Ratif and Magnum took places in the ring
(01:03):
of terrestrial diplomats around him. A word of caution, only, gentlemen,
he said, keep always foremost in your minds the necessity
for our identification with the Nenni caste. Even a hint
of familiarity with lower echelons could mean the failure of
the mission. Let us remember that the Nenni represent authority
(01:26):
here on patriarch. Their traditions must be observed, whatever our
personal preferences. Let's go along now, the Potentate will be
making his entrance any moment. Magnum came to Ratiff's side
as they moved toward the salon. The ambassador's remarks were
addressed chiefly to you, Ratif, he said, your laxness in
(01:50):
these matters is notorious. Naturally, I believe firmly in democratic
principles myself. Have you a feeling, mister Maggie, that there's
a lot going on here that we don't know about?
Magden nodded quite so. Ambassador Crodfoller's point exactly, Matters which
(02:11):
are not of concern to the Nenni are of no
concern to us. Another feeling I get is that the
Nenni aren't very bright. Now suppose I'm not given to suppositions, Ratif.
We're here to implement the policies of the Chief of Mission,
and I should dislike to be in the shoes of
a member of the staff whose conduct jeopardized the agreement.
(02:34):
That will be concluded here tonight. A bearer with a
tray of drinks rounded a fluted column, shied as he
confronted the diplomats, fumbled the tray, grabbed and sent a
glass crashing to the floor. Magnen leaked back, slapping at
the purple cloth of his pants. Leg Ratief's hand shot
(02:56):
out to steady the tray. The servant rolled, terrified eyes.
I'll take one of these, now that you're here, Ratief said.
He took a glass from the tray, winking at the servant.
No harm done, he said, mister Magnan's just warming up
for the big dance. A nanny majordomo bustled up, rubbing
(03:17):
his hands politely. Some trouble here, he said. What happened, honorables?
What what the blundering idiot? Magnan spluttered, How dare you're
quite an actor, mister Magnan, Bratief said, If I didn't
know about your democratic principles, I'd think you were really mad.
(03:39):
The servant ducked his head and scuttled away as this fellow,
the majordomo eyed the retreating bearer. I dropped my glass,
Ratief said, mister Magnu's upset because he hates to see
liquor wasted. Bertief turned to find himself face to face
(04:00):
with Ambassador Crodfoller. I witnessed that the Ambassador hissed by
the goodness of providence. The Potentate and his retinue haven't
appeared yet, but I can assure you the servants saw
it a more UNNNYI like display. I would find it
difficult to imagine. Retief arranged his features in an expression
(04:22):
of deep interest. More unnny like, sir, he said, I'm
not sure, bah. The Ambassador glared at retif your reputation
has preceded you, Sir, your name is associated with a
number of the most bizarre incidents in Core history. I'm
warning you, I'll tolerate nothing. He turned and stalked away.
(04:47):
Ambassador bating is a dangerous sport, Retief, Magden said. Ratif
took a swallow of his drink. Still, he said, it's
better than no sport at all. Your time would be
better spent observing the nnny mannerisms. Frankly, Retief, you're not
fitting into the group at all. Well, I'll be candid
(05:09):
with you, mister Magnan. The group gives me the willies, Oh,
the nunny you are are trifle frivolous. I'll concede, Magnum said,
But it's with them that we must deal, and you'd
be making a contribution to the overall mission if you
merely abandoned that rather arrogant manner of yours. Magnin looked
(05:29):
at Retief critically. You can't help your height, of course,
but couldn't you curve your back just a bit and
possibly assume a more placating expression, Just act a little
more girlish exactly. Magnin nodded, then looked sharply at Ratif.
(05:50):
Retief drained his glass and put it on a passing tray.
I'm better at acting girlish when I'm well juiced, he said,
But I can't face a night other sorgam and soda.
I suppose it would be unnanny like to slip the
bearer a credit and ask for a Scotch and water. Decidedly,
Magnig glanced toward a sound across the room. Ah, here's
(06:13):
the potentate now, he hurried off. Bertief watched the bearers
coming and going, bringing trays laden with drinks, carrying off empties.
There was a lull in the drinking Now, as the
diplomats gathered around, the periwigged Chief of State and his
courtiers bearers loitered near the service door, eyeing the notables,
(06:35):
Bertief strolled over to the service door pushed through it
into a narrow, white tiled hall filled with the odors
of the kitchen. Silent servants gaped as he passed, watching
as he moved along to the kitchen door and stepped inside.
Part two, A dozen or more low cast petriachans gathered
(06:56):
around a long table in the center of the room.
Looked up stard. A heap of long bladed bread knives,
French knives, carving knives, and cleavers lay in the center
of the table. Other knives were thrust into belts or
held in the hands of the men. A fat man
in the yellow sarong of a cook stood frozen in
the act of handing a knife to a tall, one
(07:18):
eyed sweeper. Ratif took one glance, then let his eyes
wander to a far corner of the room. Humming a
careless little tune, he sauntered across to the open liquor shells,
selected a garish green bottle, and turned unhurriedly back toward
the door. The group of servants watched him, transfixed. As
(07:39):
Ratif reached the door, it swung inward. Magnin's lips pursed.
Stood in the doorway. I had a premonition, he said,
I'll bet it was a dandy. Ratif said, you must
tell me all about it in the salon. We'll have
this out right here. Magnan snapped, I've warned you. Magnan's
(08:02):
voice trailed off as he took in the scene around
the table. After you, Ratif said, nudging Magnon toward the door.
What's going on here, Magnum barked. He stared at the
men started around Ratif. A hand stopped him. Let's be going,
Retief said, propelling Magnon toward the hall. Those knives. Magnan yelped,
(08:26):
take your hands off me, Ratiff, what are you men?
Ratif glanced back. The fat cook gestured suddenly, and the
men faded back. The cook stood arm cocked a knife
across his palm. Closed the door, and make no sound,
he said softly. Magnin pressed back against Retif. Let's run,
(08:51):
he faltered. Retif turned slowly, put his hands up. I
don't run very well, with a knife in my back.
He said, stand very still, Magnin, and do just what
he tells you. Take them out through the back. The
cook said, what does he mean? Magnum spluttered, here you silence,
(09:15):
the cook said, almost casually, Magnum gaped at him, closed
his mouth. Two of the men with knives came to
Retief's side and gestured, grinning broadly, let's go, peacocks, one said.
Retief and Magnin silently crossed the kitchen, went out the
back door, stopped on command, and stood waiting. The sky
(09:38):
was brilliant with stars. A gentle breeze stirred the tree
tops beyond the garden. Behind them. The servants talked in
low voices. You go too illy, the cook was saying,
do it here. Another said, and carry their damn dead
bodies down. Pitch him behind the hedge. I said, the
(10:02):
river three of you is plenty for a couple of nenny.
We don't know if they want to. They're foreigners, not NENNI.
We don't know, so their foreign Nenni makes no difference.
I've seen them. I need every man here, now get going.
What about the big guy, he looks tough him? He
(10:27):
waltzed into the room and didn't notice a thing, but
watched the other one at a prod from a knife point.
Retief moved off down the walk, two of the escort
behind him, and Magnum another going ahead to scout the way.
Magnan moved closer to Ratief say, he said, in a whisper.
(10:48):
That fellow in the lead, isn't he the one who
spilled the drink, the one you took the blame for.
That's him, all right. He doesn't seem nervous anymore. I
notice you saved him from serious punishment. Magnum said, he'll
be grateful. He'll let us go. Better, check with the
fellows with the knives before you act on that. Say
(11:12):
something to him. Magnan hissed, remind him. The lead man
fell back in line with Ratief and Magnon. These two
are scared of you, he said, grinning and jerking a
thumb toward the knife handlers. They haven't worked around the
NENNI like me. They don't know you. Don't you recognize
(11:34):
this gentleman, Magnum said, he did me a favor. The
man said, I remember, what's it all about? Ratief asked,
the revolution we're taking over now. Who's we the People's
Anti Fascist Freedom League? What are all the knives for?
(11:57):
For the nenny and for all you foreigners? What do
you mean, Magnum gasped. We'll slit all the throats at
one time. Saves a lot of running around. What time
will that be? Just at dawn? And dawn comes early
this time of year, by full daylight. The Paffel will
(12:18):
be in charge. You'll never succeed, Magnum said, a few
servants with knives. You'll all be caught and killed by
who the Nenny? The man laughed, You NENNI are a caution.
But we're not Nenni. We've watched you. You're the same,
(12:39):
You're part of the same blood sucking class. There are
better ways to adjust differences, Magnum said. This killing won't
help you. I'll personally see to it that your grievances
are heard in the core courts. I can assure you
that the plight of the downtrodden workers will be alleviated.
(13:00):
Rights for all these threats won't work, the man said,
you don't scare me threats. I'm promising relief to the
exploited classes of petrayc You must be nuts. The man said,
you trying to upset the system or something. Isn't that
(13:22):
the purpose of your revolution? Look, NENNI, we're tired of you, Ninny,
getting all the graft. We want our turn. What good
would it do us to run patrayc if there's no loot.
You mean you intend to oppress the people. But they're
your own group, group, schmoop, we're taking all the chances.
(13:43):
We're doing the work. We deserve the payoff. You think
we're throwing up good jobs for the fun of it.
You're basing a revolt on these cynical premises. WHI is up? Nenny?
There never has been a revolution for any other reason.
Who's in charge of this? Ratief? Said show K? The
(14:05):
head chef, I mean, the big boss who tells show
K what all to do. Oh that's Zorn. Look out,
here's where we start down the slope at slippery Look,
Magnan said you. My name's Illy. Mister Illy. This man
(14:25):
showed you mercy when he could have had you beaten.
Keep moving, Yeah, I said, I was grateful, Yes, Magnum said,
swallowing hard, a noble emotion, gratitude. You won't regret it.
I always try to pay back a good turn. Illy said,
watch your step now on this sea wall. You'll never
(14:48):
regret it. Magnum said, this is far enough. Elly motioned
to one of the knife men. Give me your knife. Bug.
The man passed the knife Illy. There was an odor
of sea mud and kelp. Small waves slapped against the
stones of the sea wall. The wind was stronger here.
(15:10):
I know a neat stroke, Illy said, practically painless. Who's first?
What do you mean? Magnan quavered, I said, I was grateful.
I'll do it myself. Give you a nice clean job.
You know, these amateurs botch it up and have a
guy flopping around, yelling and spattering everybody up. I'm first,
(15:36):
Ratief said. He pushed past Magnon, stopped, suddenly drove a
straight punch at Illy's mouth. The long blade flickered harmlessly
over Ratif's shoulder. As Illy fell, Ratif whirled leaped past. Magnan,
took the unarmed servant by the throat and belt, lifted
him and slammed him against the third man. Both scrambled, yelped,
(15:58):
and fell from the sea wall into the water. Ratief
turned back to Illy. He pulled off the man's belt
and strapped his hands together. Magnan found his voice. You
we they I know, Retief said, we've got to get back.
Magnan said, warn them. We'd never get through the rebel
(16:21):
cordon around the palace, and if we did, trying to
give an alarm would only set the assassinations off early.
We can't just we've got to go to the source.
This fellow's Zorn. Get him to call it off. We'd
be killed. At least we're safe here. Illy groaned and
opened his eyes. He sat up on your feet, Illy,
(16:45):
Retief said. Illy looked around. I'm sick. He said, the
damp air is bad for you. Let's be going. Ratief
pulled the man to his feet. Where does Zorn stay
when he's in town? He demanded? What happened? Where's Vug?
And they had an accident? Fell in the pond. Gilly
(17:09):
gazed down at the restless black water. I guess I
had you, Nenny figured wrong. Us NENNI have hidden qualities.
Let's get moving before Vug and Slug make it to
shore and start it all over again. No hurry, Hilly said,
they can't swim. He spat into the water. So long, Vug,
(17:33):
so long? Tossin, take a pull at the hell horn
for me. He started off along the sea wall toward
the sound of the surf. You want to see Zorn,
I'll take you to see Zorn, he said. I can't
swim either. Part three, I take it. Retief said that
(17:56):
the casino was affront for his political activities. He makes
plenty off it. This pafful is a new kick. I
never heard about it until it may be a couple
months ago. Ratief motioned toward a dark shed with an
open door. We'll stop here, he said, long enough to
strip the gadgets off these uniforms. Illy hands strapped behind
(18:21):
his back stood by and watched as Retief and Magnum
removed metals, ribbons, orders, and insignia from the formal diplomatic garments.
This may help some, Ratief said. If the word is
out that two diplomats are loose, it's a breeze. Illy said,
we see cats in purple and orange tailcoats all the time.
(18:45):
I hope you're right, Ratief said, But if we're called,
you'll be the first to go. Willy, you're a funny
kind of nenny, Hilly said, eyeing Retief, Tossin and vug
must be wondering what happened to them. If you think
I'm good at drowning people, you ought to see me
with a knife. Let's get going. It's only a little
(19:10):
way now, Hilly said, But you better untie me. Somebody's
liable to stick their nose in and get me killed.
I'll take the chance. How do we get to the casino?
We follow this street. It twists around and goes under
a couple tunnels. When we get to the drunkard's stairs,
(19:30):
we go up and it's right in front of us,
a pink front with a sign like a big luck wheel.
Give me your belt, Magnon, Ratief said. Magnan handed it over.
Lie down, Illy, Ratief said. The servant looked at Ratif.
Bug and Tossin will be glad to see me, he said,
(19:52):
but they'll never believe me. He lay down. Ratief strapped
his feet together and stuffed a handkerchief in his mouth.
Why are you doing that, Magnan asked. We need him,
We know the way, and we don't need anyone to
announce our arrival. It's only on three D that you
can march a man through a gang of his pals
(20:13):
with a finger in his back. Magnin looked at the man.
Maybe you'd better cut his throat, he said, Illy rolled
his eyes. That's a very unnetty like suggestion, mister Magnan,
Retief said, if we have any trouble finding the casino,
(20:33):
I'll give it serious thought. There were few people in
the narrow street. Shops were shuttered, windows dark. Maybe they're
heard about the coup, Magnan said, they're lying low. More
likely they're at the palace picking up their knives. They
rounded a corner, stepped over a man curled in the gutter,
(20:55):
snoring heavily, and found themselves at the foot of a
long flight of littered stones. The drunkard's stairs are plainly marked.
Magnan sniffed, I hear sounds up there, Ratif said, sounds
of merrymaking. Maybe we'd better go back. Merrymaking doesn't scare me,
(21:16):
Ratief said, come to think of it, I don't know
what the word means. He started up, Magnan behind him.
At the top of the long stair, a dense throng
milled in the alley like street. A giant illuminated roulette
wheel revolves slowly above them. A loud speaker blared the
chant of the croupiers from the tables. Inside. Magnin and
(21:39):
Ratiff moved through the crowd toward the wide open doors.
Magnan plucked at Ratif's sleeve. Are you sure we ought
to push right in like this? Maybe we ought to
wait a bit. Look around. When you're waere, you have
no business being, Ratief said, Always stride along purposefully. If
(22:00):
you loiter, people begin to get curious. Inside, a mob
packed the wide, low ceiling room clustered about gambling devices
in the form of towers, tables, and basins. What do
we do now, Magnet asked, we gamble? How much money
do you have in your pockets? Why? A few credits?
(22:23):
Magnet handed the money to Ratief. But what about the
man's orn? A purple cutaway is conspicuous enough without ignoring
the tables, Ratief said, We've got a hundred credits between us.
We'll get the zorn in due course. I hope your
pleasure jents, A bullet headed man said, eyeing the colorful
(22:46):
evening clothes of the diplomats, you'll be one to try
your luck at the zoop tower. I guess a game
for real sporting gents. Why um, Magnum said, what's the
zoop tower? Retief asked out of towners. Hey, the bullet
headed man shifted his dope stick to the other corner
(23:08):
of his mouth. Zoop is a great little game. Two
teams of players buy into the pot. Each player takes
a lever. The object is to make the ball drop
from the top of the tower into your net. Okay,
what's the antie. I've got one hundred credit pot working now, gents,
(23:28):
Raretief nodded, we'll try it. The shill led the way
to an eight foot tower mounted on gimbals. Two perspiring
men and trade class pullovers gripped two of the levers
that controlled the tilt of the tower. A white ball
lay in a hollow in the thick glass platform at
the top. From the center. An intricate pattern of grooves
(23:49):
led out to the edge of the glass. Retief and
Magnum took chairs before the two free levers. When the
light goes on, gents, work the lever to jack the tower.
You got three gears. Takes a good arm to work
top gear. That's this button here. The little knob controls
what way you're going. May the best team win. I'll
(24:12):
take the hundred credits. Now, Ratief handed over the money.
A red light flashed on and Ratief tried the lever.
It moved easily with a ratcheting sound. The tower trembled
slowly tilted toward the two perspiring workmen pumping frantically at
their levers. Magnus started slowly accelerated as he saw the
(24:33):
direction the tower was taking. Faster Retief, he said, they're winning.
This is against the clock. Gents, the bullet headed man said,
if nobody wins, when the light goes off, the house
takes all crank it over to the left. Ratief said,
I'm getting tired. Shift to a lower gear. The tower leaned,
(24:58):
The ball stirred, rolled into a concentric channel. Ratiff shifted
to middle gear, worked the lever. The tower creaked to
a stop. Started back upright. There isn't any lower gear,
Magnan gasped. One of the two on the other side
of the tower shifted to middle gear. The other followed suit.
(25:19):
They worked harder, now heaving against the stiff levers. The
tower quivered moved slowly toward their side. I'm exhausted, Magnum gasped.
He dropped the lever, lulled back in the chair, gulping air.
Retief shifted position, took Magnum's lever with his left hand,
(25:39):
shifted to middle gear. Retief said, Magnum gulped, punched the
button and slumped back, panting my arm. He said, I've
injured myself. The two men in pullovers conferred hurriedly as
they cranked their levers. Then one punched the button and
the other reached a cross, using his left arm to help.
(26:01):
They've shifted to high, Magnan said, give up, it's hopeless.
Shift me to high. Ratief said, both buttons. Magnum complied.
Bratiif's shoulders bulged. He brought one lever down then the other, alternately,
slowly at first, then faster. The tower jerked tilted toward him.
(26:23):
Farther the ball rolled in the channel found an outlet. Abruptly,
both Ratief's lever's froze, The tower trembled, wavered, and moved back.
Retief heaved one lever, folded at the base, bent down
and snapped off short. Ratif braced his feet, took the
(26:43):
other lever with both hands and pulled. There was a
rasp of metal friction and a loud twang. The lever
came free, a length of broken cable flopping into view.
The tower fell over as the two on the other
side scrambled aside. Hey, bullet Head yelled, you wrecked my equipment.
(27:04):
Her Tief got up and faced him. Does Zorn know
you've got your tower rigged for suckers? You trying to
call me a cheat or something? The crowd had fallen back,
wringing the two men. Bullet Head glanced around with a
lightning motion. He plucked a knife from somewhere. That'll be
five hundred credits for the equipment, he said. Nobody calls
(27:27):
Kippy a cheat. Her Tief picked up the broken lever.
Don't make me hit you with us, you cheap chiseler.
Kippy looked at the bar comin in here, he said, indignantly,
looking to the crowd for support. Bustin' up my rig,
callin names. I want a hundred credits, Heertief said, Now
(27:51):
highway robbery. Kippy yelled, better pay up. Somebody called hit him, mister,
someone else said. A broad shouldered man with graying hair
pushed through the crowd and looked around. You heard him, Kippy, give,
he said. The chill growled, but tucked his knife away. Reluctantly,
(28:14):
he peeled a bill from a fat roll and handed
it over. The newcomer looked from Retief to Magnin. Pick
another game, Strangers, he said, Kippy made a little mistake.
This is small time stuff. Retief said, I'm interested in
something big. The broad shouldered man lit a perfumed dope stick.
(28:38):
What would you call big, he said softly. What's the
biggest you've got. The man narrowed his eyes, smiling. Maybe
you'd like to try a slam. Tell me about it
over here. The crowd opened up made a path. Fortief
(28:59):
and Magnin followed across the room to a brightly lit,
glass walled box. There was an arm sized opening at
waist height. Inside was a hand grip, a two foot
plastic globe. A quarter full of chips hung in the center.
Apparatus was mounted at the top of the box. Slam
pays good odds, the man said, you can go as
(29:20):
high as you like. Chips cost you one hundred credits.
You start it up by dropping a chip in here,
he indicated a slot. You take the hand grip. When
you squeeze, it unlocks, the globe starts to turn. You
can see it's full of chips. There's a hole at
the top. As long as you hold the grip, the
(29:42):
bowl turns. The harder you squeeze, the faster it turns.
Eventually it'll turn over to where the hole is down
and the chips fall out. On the other hand, there's
contact plates spotted around the bowl. When one of them
lines up with a live contact, you get a little jolt,
guaranteed non lethal. All you've got to do is hold
(30:05):
on long enough and you'll get the payoff. How often
does this random pattern put the hole down? Anywhere from
three minutes to fifteen with the average run of players. Oh,
by the way, one more thing. That lead block up there.
The man motioned with his head toward a one foot
(30:25):
cube suspended by a thick cable. It's rig to drop
every now and again, averages five minutes. A warning light
flashes first, you can take a chance sometimes the lights
of bluff. You can set the clock back on it
by dropping another chip, or you can let go the grip.
(30:46):
Ratief looked at the massive block of metal that would
mess up a man's dealing hand, wouldn't it. The last
two jokers who were too cheap to feed. The machine
had to have them off their arms. I mean that
leads heavy stuff. I don't suppose your machine as a
habit of getting stuck like kippies. The broad shouldered man frowned.
(31:11):
You're a stranger, he said, you don't know any better.
It's a fair game, mister. Someone called, where do I
buy the chips? The man smiled, I'll fix you up.
How many one A big spender? Eh? The man snickered,
but handed over a large plastic chip, part four. Retief
(31:36):
stepped to the machine, dropped the coin. If you want
to change your mind, the man said, you can back
out now. All it'll cost you is the chip you dropped.
Retief reached through the hole, took the grip. It was leather,
padded hand filling. He squeezed it. There was a click,
and bright lights sprang up. The crowd owed. The globe
(31:59):
began to twirl lazily. The four inch hole at its
top was plainly visible. If ever the hole gets in position,
it will empty very quickly, Magnan said, hopefully. Suddenly, a
brilliant white light flooded the glass cage. A sound went
up from the spectators. Quick drop a chip. Someone called,
(32:21):
you've only got ten seconds. Let go. Magnan yelped Foreretief
sat silent, holding the grip, frowning up at the weight.
The globe twirled faster now than the bright white light
winked off a bluff. Magnan gasped, that's risky, stranger, the
(32:42):
grave templed man said. The globe was turning rapidly now,
oscillating from side to side. The hole seemed to travel
in a wavering loop, dipping lower, swinging up high, then
down again. It has to move to the bottom soon,
Magnum said, slow it down. The slower it goes, the
(33:02):
longer it takes to get to the bottom. Someone said
there was a crackle, and Retief stiffened. Magnan heard a
sharp intake of breath. The globe slowed, and Retief shook
his head, blinking. The broad shouldered man glanced at a meter.
You took pretty near a full jolt that time, he said.
(33:23):
The hole in the globe was tracing an oblique course,
now swinging to the center, then below a little longer.
Magnun said, that's the best speed I ever seen on
the slam ball. Someone said, how much longer can he
hold it? Magnan looked at Ratif's knuckles. They showed white
(33:45):
against the grip. The globe tilted farther, swung around, then down.
Two chips fell out, clattered down a chute and into
a box. We're ahead, Magnum said, let's quit. Retief shook
his head. The globe rotated, dipped again. Three chips fell.
She's ready. Someone called, it's bound to hit soon. Another
(34:09):
voice added excitedly, come on, mister, slow down. Magden said, so,
I won't move past too quickly. Speed it up before
that lead block gets you. Someone called. The hole swung wide,
over the top, then down the side. Chips reined out
of the hole. Six eight next pass, a voice called
(34:34):
the white light flooded the cage. The globe whirled, the hole,
slid over the top, down down, A chip fell, two more.
Her teeth half rose, clamped his jaw and crushed the grip.
Sparks flew. The globe slowed, chips spewing. It stopped, swung back,
(34:54):
waited by the mass of chips at the bottom, and
stopped again. With the hole centered. Chips cascaded down the
chute filled the box before Ratiff spilled on the floor.
The crowd yelled Ratif released the grip and withdrew his
arm at the same instant that the lead block slammed down.
Good Lord Magnan said, I felt that through the floor.
(35:20):
Ratif turned to the broad shouldered man. This game's all
right for beginners, he said, But I'd like to talk
a really big gamble. Why don't we go to your office,
mister Zorn. Your proposition interests me, Sorn said, grinding out
the stump of his dope stick in a brash ashtray.
(35:41):
But there's some angles to this I haven't mentioned yet.
You are a gambler's orn, not a suicide Ratif said.
Take what I've offered. The other idea was fancier. I agree,
but it won't work. How do I know you birds
aren't lying, Zorn snarled. He stood up, strode up and
(36:02):
down the room. You walk in here and tell me
I'll have a task force on my neck that the
Corps won't recognize my regime. Maybe you're right, but I've
got other contacts they say different. He whirled, stared at Ratief.
I have pretty good assurance that once I put it over,
(36:22):
the Corps will have to recognize me as the legal
government of patriarch. They won't meddle in internal affairs. Nonsense.
Magnum spoke up. The Corps will never deal with a
pack of criminals calling themselves. Watch your language, you, Zordan rasped,
I admit mister Magnan's point as little weak. Ratief said,
(36:46):
but you're overlooking something. You plan to murder a dozen
or so officers of the Corps diplomatiq Terrestrianne along with
the local wheels. The Corps won't overlook that. It can't
luck they're in the middle, Zorn muttered. Our offer is
extremely generous, mister Zorn, Magnum said, the post you'll get
(37:10):
will pay you very well. Indeed, as against the certain
failure of your plan coup, the choice should be simple,
Sorn eyed Magnin offering me a job, it sounds phony
as hell. I thought you birds were goodie goodie diplomats.
It's time you knew. Ratief said, there's no phonier business
(37:32):
in the galaxy than diplomacy. You'd better take it, mister Zorn,
Magnum said, don't push me, Junior. Zorn said, you two
walk into my headquarters empty handed and big mouthed. I
don't know what I'm talking to you for the answer
is no, n I X no. Who are you afraid of?
(37:57):
Ratif said softly Zorn and glared at him. Where do
you get that afraid routine? I'm top man here. Don't
kid around, Zorn. Somebody's got you under their thumb. I
can see you squirming from here. What if I let
your boys alone, Soren said, suddenly, the cor won't have
(38:19):
anything to say then? Huh? The Core has plans for
petrayc Sorn. You aren't part of them? A revolution right now?
Isn't part of them? Having the potentate and the whole
Nenny cast slaughtered? Isn't part of them? Do I make
myself clear? Listen? Soren said, urgently, pulling a chair around.
(38:42):
I'll tell you guys a few things. You ever heard
of a world they call Routun? Certainly, Magnum said, it's
a near neighbor of yours. Another backward that is emergent. Okay,
Sorn said, You guys think I'm a pipe? Do you well?
Let me wise you up. The Federal Junta on Ratun
(39:05):
is backing my play. I'll be recognized by Rotun, and
the Rotun fleet will stand by in case I need
any help, I'll present the CDT with what you call
a feta coompli. What does Ratun get out of this?
I thought they were your traditional enemies. Don't get me wrong.
(39:25):
I've got no use for Ratun. But our interests happened
to coincide, right now, do they? Ratif smiled grimly. You
can spot a sucker as soon as he comes through
that door out there. But you go for a deal
like this, What do you mean, Zorn looked angrily at Ratief.
(39:46):
It's fool proof. After you get in power, you'll be
fast friends with Rotun? Is that it friends? Hell? Just
give me time to get set and I'll square a
few things with that exactly. And what do you suppose
they have in mind for you? What are you getting at?
(40:06):
Why is Rotun interested in your takeover? Zorin studied Ratif's face.
I'll tell you why, he said. It's you birds, you
and your trade agreement. You're here to tie Patraych into
some kind of trade combine that cuts Rotun out. Well,
we're doing all right out here. We don't need any
(40:27):
commitments to a lot of fancy pants on the other
side of the galaxy. That's what Rotun has sold you, eh,
Ratief said, smiling, sold nothing. Zorin ground out his dope
stick lit another, he snorted angrily. Okay, what's your idea,
(40:47):
he asked after a moment. You know what Patraych is
getting in the way of imports as a result of
the agreement, Sure, a lot of junk. To be specific,
Ratief said, there'll be fifty thousand tattone B three dry washers,
one hundred thousand glow float motile lamps, one hundred thousand
(41:08):
earthworm minor garden cultivators, twenty five thousand vaco space heaters,
and seventy five thousand replacement elements for four monomeg drives.
Like I said, a lot of junk, Ratief leaned back,
looking sardonically at Zorn. Here's the gimmick, Sorn, he said.
(41:31):
The Corp is getting a little tired of Patrych and
Rotun carrying on their twopenny war out here. Your privateers
have a nasty habit of picking on innocent bystanders. After
studying both sides, the Corps has decided Petrayec would be
a little easier to do business with, so this trade
agreement was worked out. The Corps can't openly sponsor an
(41:53):
arm shipment to a belligerent, But personal appliances are another story.
So what do we do? Plow him under with backyard cultivators.
Soorm looked at Retief, puzzled, what's the point? You take
the sealed monitor unit from the washer, the repellor field
(42:13):
generator from the lamp, the converter control from the cultivator,
et cetera, et cetera. You fit these together according to
some very simple instructions. Presto, you have one hundred thousand
standard class y hand blasters, just the thing to turn
the tide in a stalemated war fought with obsolete arms.
(42:35):
Good Lord Magnus said, Retief, are you I have to
tell him? Ratief said, he has to know what he's
putting his neck into. Weapons, hey, Zorn said, and Rotun
knows about it. Sure they know about it. It's not
too hard to figure out. And there's more. They want
(42:57):
the CDT delegation included in the massacre for a reason.
It will put Petrayec out of the picture. The trade
agreement will go to Rotun, and you and your new
regime will find yourselves looking down the muzzles of your
own blasters. Sorn threw his dope stick to the floor
with a snarl. I should have smelled something when that
(43:18):
rotun smoothie made his pitch. Zorn looked at his watch.
I've got two hundred armed men in the palace. We've
got about forty minutes to get over there before the
rocket goes up. Part five. You'd better stay here on
this terrace, out of the way until I've spread the word,
(43:39):
Zorn said. Just in case, let me caution you against
any slip ups, mister Zorn. Magnum said the NENNI are
not to be molested. Sorn looked at Ratief. Your friend
talks too much, he said. I'll keep my end of it.
He'd better keep his. Nothing's happened yet, you're sure, Magnum said,
(44:05):
I'm sure. Zorn said, ten minutes to go, plenty of time.
I'll just step into the salon to assure myself that
all is well. Magnum said, suit yourself. Zorn said, just
stay clear of the kitchen or you'll get your throat cut.
He sniffed at his dope stick. What's keeping showca he muttered.
(44:30):
Magnum stepped to a tall glass door, eased it open,
and poked his head through the heavy draperies. As he
moved to draw back. A voice was faintly audible. Magnin paused,
head still through the drapes. What's going on there? Sorn
raft He and Retief stepped up behind Magnon breath of air,
(44:51):
ha ha. Magnum was saying, well, come along, Magnan. Ambassador
Crodfoller's voice snapped and shifted from one foot to the other,
then pushed through the drapes. Where have you been, mister Magnan.
The Ambassador's voice was sharp, Oh, a slight accident, mister ambassador.
(45:14):
What's happened to your shoes? Where are your insignia and decorations?
I am spilled a drink on them, sir Ah, listen.
The sound of an orchestra came up, suddenly, blaring a fanfare.
Sorn shifted restlessly ere against the glass. What's your friend pulling?
He rasped. I don't like this, Keep cool, Zorn Ratief said,
(45:40):
mister Magnan is doing a little emergency salvage on his career.
The music died away with a clatter. My god, Ambassador
Crodfoller's voice was faint. Magnin, you'll be knighted for this.
Thank god you reach me. Thank god it's not too late.
I'll find some excuse. I'll get a gram off at once.
(46:02):
But you it's all right, Magnan. You were in time.
Another ten minutes and the agreement would have been signed
and transmitted. The wheels would have been put in motion.
My career ruined. Ratif felt a prod at his back.
He turned double crossed, Zorn said softly, so much for
(46:23):
the word of a diplomat. Ratif looked at the short
barreled needler in Zorn's hand. I see you head your bets, Zorn,
he said. We'll wait here, Zorn said, until the excitement's over. Inside.
I wouldn't want to attract any attention right now. Your
(46:44):
politics are still lousy, Zorn. The picture hasn't changed, Your
coup hasn't got a chance skip it. I'll take up
one problem at a time. Magnan's mouth has a habit
of falling open at the wrong time. That's my good
luck that I heard it. So there'll be no agreement,
no guns, no fat job for Tammany. Zorn. Hey, well,
(47:08):
I can still play it the other way. What have
I got to lose with a movement too quick to follow,
Ratif's hand chopped down across Zorn's wrist. The kneedler clattered
as Zorn reeled, and then Ratif's hand clamped Sorn's arm
and whirled him around. In answer to your last question,
Ratief said, your neck. You haven't got a chance, double crosser.
(47:33):
Sorn gasped. Show k will be here in a minute,
Ratief said, tell him it's all off. Twist harder, mister
Zorn said, bring it off at the shoulder. I'm telling
him nothing. The kitting's over, Zorn. Ratief said, call it
off or I'll kill you. I believe you, Sorn said,
(47:59):
but you won't have one long to remember it. All
the killing will be for nothing, Ratief said, You'll be
dead and the Rotuns will step into the power of vacuum.
So what when I die the world ends? Suppose I
make you another offer, Zorn? Why would it be any
(48:20):
better than the last one? Chisler. Ratif released Zorn's arm,
pushed him away, stooped and picked up the needler. I
could kill you, Zorn. You know that. Go ahead. Ratif
reversed the needler held it out. I'm a gambler too,
Zorn I'm gambling. You'll listen to what I have to say.
(48:41):
Zorn snatched the gun, stepped back. He looked at Ratif.
That wasn't the smartest bet you ever made, mister, But
go ahead. You've got maybe ten seconds. Nobody double crossed you,
Zorn Magnum put his foot in it. Too bad? Is
that a reason to kill yourself? A lot of other
people who've bet their lives on you, they gambled and lost, tough.
(49:07):
Maybe you haven't lost yet. If you don't quit, get
to the point, Ratief spoke earnestly for a minute and
a half. Zorn stood gun aimed, listening. Then both men turned.
His footsteps approached along the terrace. A fat man in
a yellow sarong padded up to Zorn. Sorn tucked the
(49:28):
needler in his waistban hold everything, show k, he said.
Tell the boys to put the knives away. Spread the
word fast. It's all off. I want to commend you, Retif,
Ambassador Crodfowler said, expansively, you mix very well at last
night's affair. Actually I was hardly aware of your presence.
(49:52):
I've been studying mister Magnus's work, Ratief said, A good
man magnum in a crowd, he's virtually invisible. He knows
when to disappear. All right, this has been, in many
ways a model operation, Ratif. The Ambassador patted his paunch contentedly.
(50:13):
By observing local social customs and blending harmoniously with a court,
I've succeeded in establishing a fine, friendly working relationship with
a potentate. I understand the agreement has been postponed. The
ambassador chuckled. The Potentate's a crafty one. Through a special
(50:35):
study I have been conducting, I learned last night that
he had hoped to, shall I say, put one over
on the core great heavens, Ratief said, naturally, this placed
me in a difficult position. It was my task to
quash this gambut without giving any indication that I was
(50:55):
aware of its existence. A harry position, indeed, Ertif said,
quite casually, I informed the Potentate that certain items which
have been included in the terms of the agreement had
been deleted and others substituted. I admired him at that moment, Ratif.
He took it coolly, appearing completely indifferent, perfectly dissembling his
(51:20):
very serious disappointment. I noticed him dancing with three girls
wearing a bunch of grapes. Apiece. He's very agile for
a man of his bulk. You mustn't discount the potentate. Remember,
beneath that mask of frivolity, he had absorbed a bitter blow.
He had me fooled. Ratif said, don't feel badly, I
(51:45):
confess at first I failed to sense his shrewdness. The
Ambassador nodded and moved off along the quarter. Ratif turned
and went into an office. Magnin looked up from his desk. Ah,
He said, Rittie, I've been meaning to ask you about
the uh blasters? Are you? Retief leaned on Magnum's desk,
(52:08):
looked at him. I thought that was to be our
little secret. Well, naturally, I Magnum closed his mouth swallowed.
How is it, Retief? He said, sharply that you were
aware of this blaster business when the ambassador himself wasn't easy.
(52:29):
Retief said, I made it up you what? Magnan looked wild.
But the agreement it's been revised. Ambassador Crodfoller has gone
on record too bad. Glad I didn't tell him about it.
Magnum leaned back and closed his eyes. It was big
(52:51):
of you to take all the blame, Ratief said. When
the ambassador was talking about knighting people, Magnan and opened
his eyes. What about that gambler, Zorn? Won't he be upset?
It's all right, Ratief said, I made another arrangement. The
business about making blasters out of common components wasn't completely imaginary.
(53:16):
You can actually do it using parts from an old
fashioned disposal unit. What good will that do him, Magnan whispered,
looking nervous. We're not shipping in any old fashioned disposal units.
We don't need to, Ratief said. They're already installed in
the palace kitchen and in a few thousand other places.
(53:38):
Zorn tells me if this ever leaks, Magnet put a
hand to his forehead. I have his word on it
that the nanny slaughter is out. This place is ripe
for a change. Maybe Zorn is what it needs. But
how can we know, Magnan yelped. How can we be
sure we can? Ratif said, But it's not up to
(54:02):
the course to meddle in Patrayech's internal affairs. He leaned over,
picked up Magnan's desk lighter, and lit a cigar. He
blew a cloud of smoke toward the ceiling. Right. Magnan
looked at him and nodded weakly. Right, I'd better be
getting along to my desk, Radif said, now that the
(54:24):
Ambassador feels that I'm settling down at last, Ratif Magnum said, tonight,
I implore you stay out of the kitchen, no matter what.
Ratif raised his eyebrows. I know, Magnan said, if you
hadn't interfered, we'd all have had our throats cut. But
at least, he added, we'd have died in accordance with regulations.
(54:51):
End of story
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