AGU SCI 1: The Star Brotherhood Read Online Free PDF

beating people physically weaker than himself. He eventually learned what all bullies discover— there's always someone tougher or faster."
    "That's always been true, but some people forget it at times."
    "You shouldn't fear being cheated by me, Trader. The continued success of my business requires that I deal fairly at all times. As with my cousin, I only broker deals between reputable customers and respected smugglers and freight haulers. Full payment must be made to me before the deal commences so its guaranteed if service is satisfactory. Payment is made as soon as the customer announces they are satisfied, unless there are issues. If that happens, I arbitrate a settlement. I only make a commission from the investment of the funds until the deal is complete, or as a fee after a person is hired and the customer is satisfied with the job performance during the probationary period, so the fee quoted is the amount the smuggler receives."
    "I've never had any complaint with your cousin, nor he with me."
    "That's wonderful to hear. So, what kind of job, deal, or trade are you looking for?"
    "Almost anything that will turn a good profit. But I don’t transport volatile explosives, such as Melwen Power, or dangerous biohazardous materials. All cargo must be irradiated to destroy pests before I accept it, or I want to know the reason why."
    "All valid reasons for rejecting cargo. Too bad you aren't looking for a job on the planet. The crime lords are always looking for a good enforcer. That's especially true of late."
    "Why do you say 'of late?'"
    "Things have been heating up a little more each day. It started when the Senesim Syndicate challenged the Raiders over the distribution of a popular new drug called Kuloo. The Syndicate claims it's a mild recreational narcotic that helps relieve stress and anxiety, and is therefore part of the product group to which they've been granted exclusive distribution rights under the agreement. The Raiders claim it belongs to the family of addicting drugs they've always distributed. As the drug has gained popularity, the rhetoric has intensified. Both sides see the potential of the drug and want to control it. There have been a few fights, and a number of beheaded bodies have been found, although no one can prove who was responsible. Some have even blamed the Brotherhood for trying to foster trouble between the other two crime organizations in an attempt to have them destroy each other, or at least become so weakened the Brotherhood could then take over their territories and control all illegal products on the planet."
    "Somebody is always looking to take over somebody else's share of a pie, whether it's a legit business or an illegal one. It's capitalism at its finest and at its worst."
    "I don't mind competition, but I abhor violence. It's not in the nature of a Wolkerron, unless our back is firmly against the wall. But enough about matters over which we have no control. I might have something you'll find interesting. It's a new offer and one that suits your interests while also suiting your spacecraft."
    "What do you know about my spacecraft?"
    "Trader, please. It's my business to know such things. Your ship model is a Siqquet, built at the Xillesku Shipbuilding yard on Uthlarigasset. It was one of three hundred ninety-four produced in that model series and most are still in service. Top speed is Light-300. That was a considerable advantage over other ships that size when it was built, because most ships were only Light-262 back then. Your cargo area can accommodate either loose cargo or containers since both sides of the ship at the cargo bay level open fully. With containers, it can accommodate either a full container or a mix of sizes that will fit in that space. That is unless you've modified the cargo area?"
    "No, you're correct. The ship has always been ideal for smuggling. Until a few years ago, it could even outrun some of the older warships SC was using for interdiction in Region