Freedom's Ransom Read Online Free PDF

do that, Peter?” Kris asked.
    â€œI’m thinking about it,” he said with a grin.
    â€œNo better man.”
    â€œWish your people had advertising or a public-service radio channel. Get word about.”
    Zainal grinned. “Actually, a few rumors wouldn’t be hard to start.”
    â€œThat’s what we need. How?”
    â€œBy the very people we want to trade with us.”
    â€œThe merchants?”
    â€œThey tend to trade gossip, too,” Zainal said with a cunning smile. “And spread news.”
    â€œAnd?” Peter prompted him.
    â€œAnd we can prime them, as it were.”
    â€œSo they’ll be lusting after our goods,” Peter said, rubbing his hands in anticipation.
    â€œWe can hope,” Zainal remarked, slightly skeptical.
    â€œIf we put out the right lures, they’ll come. Especially if they are becoming consumer-oriented.”
    â€œWe could also bring Botanical specialties,” Kris said. “Like rock squats. Remember how our refugees liked them?”
    â€œNo, but I’ll take your word for it,” Zainal said with a grin, as he had been absent from Botany during the period when the colony had been a sanctuary for the families of Emassi who wanted them safe prior to the attack on the dread Eosi leaders.
    â€œEven managed to get the boys to hunt with us,” Peter said, amused by the recollection.
    â€œWell, we should arrange a hunting party, then.”
    â€œAnd perhaps gather some of the tubers. I suspect that food is in short supply on Earth. Invasions do wreak havoc on crops.”
    â€œSo, what needs to be done first?” Dorothy asked just as Peter reached the printer that had several sheets in its tray.
    â€œGot a list here of Catteni-speakers who are away,” he said and handed it to Zainal.
    â€œAnd I have the list of possible barter goods,” Krissaid, pointing to her scribbled note listing what Mike Miller had told her.
    â€œWe do have a dentist,” Jerry Short said, stopping in the doorway. “Name of Eric Sachs. Used to practice in New York. He’s been on call at the hospital but doesn’t have much equipment here. I’ve asked him to join us as soon as he can.”
    â€œThanks, Jerry.” Zainal made a check on his own notes and then paused. “How do you spell ‘dentist’?” he asked.
    Everyone told him at once but he got the word down on his pad, grinning as he wrote. “Thanks. I think these ‘dentists’ will be very useful. And we can get the equipment. What is generally needed?”
    â€œI’ve never needed much dentistry except to have my wisdom teeth pulled,” Kris said, looking around.
    â€œWell, I have—you know the Colgate-bright smile,” Peter said and exposed his white, even teeth. “A good smile is essential in public relations. However, to preserve the image I wanted to present, I did get my front teeth”—he tapped them—“capped as a business expense. Good teeth are a lifelong investment.”
    â€œWhat about gold ones?” Kris asked.
    â€œThat’s not part of my culture,” he said. “But a sign of importance or affluence in others. In present context, if it works, it’d be wonderful.” He paused, raising his hand for silence. “To be Johnny-on-the-spot, we can also possibly provide the essential professional.”
    â€œEssential professional?” Zainal was totally confused.
    â€œWe bring our resident dentist with us—and he makes crowns on the spot?” Kris asked. Peter’s wide smile answered her. “But a dentist needs a lot of equipment and supplies we don’t have.”
    â€œAren’t we planning a trip to Earth anyway? We can pick up what we need, and sell the Catteni those gold teeth they’re so fond of.”
    Kris snapped her fingers. “Just like that!”
    â€œWhy not? Who’d be stealing dental