AGU SCI 1: The Star Brotherhood Read Online Free PDF Page A

Byers said, "listening for gossip in taverns until something turns up. We don't have a single snitch on this entire planet."
    "Yeah," Nelligen said, "that's about all we can do, unless you have an idea."
    "There is one thing I can do," Vyx said. "I can go see Lippaula. I might get a clue as to what kind of currency is being counterfeited, and by who."
    "He'll kill you," Brenda said.
    " This teddy bear isn't so easy to kill."
    "Do you know where to find him?" Kathryn asked.
    "No, but I'm pretty sure I haven't seen the last of the group that invited me today."
    "Won’t they get suspicious if you now seem eager to go?" Byers asked.
    "Probably," he said with a grin, "so I won't appear too eager."
    * * *
    Less than an hour after Vyx arrived at the tavern, a Wolkerron entered and walked directly up to his table. The tall, thin, Hominidae-like creatures with long yellow faces and enormous, jet-black eyes were like Uthlarans in that they were remarkably similar in appearance. In order to positively ID a Wolkerron, one must check its toe prints.
    In the tradition of his race, the Wolkerron bared a mouthful of sharp teeth. To the uninitiated, it might look menacing, but it was only its species' equivalent of a grin. "Good morning, Trader," it said.
    "Do I know you?" Vyx asked.
    "Not yet, but I'm hoping to change that. I'm a jobs broker."
    "And what kinds of jobs are you pedaling today?"
    "I have a number of very fine listings. For example, if your references are satisfactory, the Raiders are always looking for support ships."
    "Sorry, not interested. Ker Blasperra tried to get me to sign on with the Raiders annuals ago. I told him what I've just told you."
    "Ker Blasperra? In Region One?"
    "Yeah."
    "My word, it's been ages since I've seen him or even spoken to anyone who had talked to him. How is he?"
    "I haven't seen him in annuals, but he seemed healthy and prosperous back then. That was when the Milori had first attacked the GA."
    "Ah, yes. He was on Kethewit back then."
    "Perhaps before I met him. He was on Scruscotto during the time I knew him."
    "Quite right, quite right. I'd forgotten he moved to Scruscotto when the GA expanded its territory and changed the Frontier Zone. Did you do much business with him?"
    "We had several very satisfactory business dealings."
    "My cousin has always been a shrewd businessman and enjoys a good reputation for fair dealings."
    "Your cousin? As in familial? Or simply race?"
    "We are family. Oh, gracious, I never introduced myself properly. I'm Ker Blaswetta. Ker Blasperra is my father's cousin's son. So in Terran terms I think you would call him a second cousin, or possibly a 'cousin once removed.' My, what a small galaxy this is becoming."
    "Uh— yeah. Well, I'm pleased to meet you, Ker Blaswetta."
    "As am I to make your acquaintance, Trader Vyx. So I take it you don't like to deal with the Raiders?"
    "I don't trust them ever since Shev Rivemwilth cheated me."
    "Rivemwilth? I remember my cousin telling me about him. He was killed by Space Command, wasn't he?"
    "No. Space Command merely found his corpse in a disabled ship loaded with illegal weapons. He hired me to move those weapons, then stole my freighter and left me stranded on a moon in Region One to await pickup by Tsgardi slavers. But he didn't live long enough to gloat. No one cheats Trader Vyx and lives to talk about it. The ship was booby-trapped, and if a timer wasn't reset every so often—. Well, anyway, he got my ship, but I got my revenge."
    "I remember now. My cousin told me that Rivemwilth had tried to cheat a dangerous Terran, and the Terran exacted justice. It seems the reputation you're gaining here as a most dangerous Terran would appear to be deserved."
    "Only to people who try to harm me or my associates, or who try to cheat me. I don't give second chances."
    "Everyone in town is talking about your fight with Makkod. I can't say I'm sorry he's gone, and no one will mourn his passing. He was a sadistic bully who enjoyed