The Wishing Stone Read Online Free PDF Page B

bring your drinks within two minutes.” The robot turned to leave.
    â€œExcuse me,” Adam said. “Just before you go. What planet is this?”
    â€œThis is not a planet, sir, but an asteroid. Its name is Globar Ninety-two.”
    â€œAre we far from Amacron Thirty-seven?” Watch asked.
    â€œYes. Two thousand seven hundred and eighteen point six light-years.”
    â€œThank you,” Adam said. “My friend and I will have ice with our Cokes.”
    The robot left and Watch nodded seriously. “I suspected we were on an asteroid. Notice that this whole place is underground?”
    â€œYeah. But at least it’s nice that we don’t have to pay for lunch.”
    â€œWe should wait until we get our food to see how nice it is.”
    Watch’s concern proved groundless. The food—when it arrived—was very good. The Cokes, in fact, tasted identical to Earth’s, but the robot explained that they were popular in even this part of the galaxy. Adam practically wolfed down his sandwich. Fighting with mysterious forces always made him hungry.
    It was while they were eating their cookies that the stranger arrived. One moment they were alone and the next he was standing beside their table.
    â€œMay I join you?” he asked. But those were not exactly the words that came from his mouth. He spoke another language, but a voice box clipped to his belt provided them with the translation. Indeed, he had two extra boxes with him, which he quickly offered to Adam and Watch. Apparently they were universal translators that were often employed in such places as Globar 92. Adam and Watch clipped them onto their own belts.
    â€œSure,” Adam said as the box translated his word into the visitor’s language. “You can sit down.”
    â€œBut before you do, we would prefer you to tell us what you want,” Watch said.
    Adam understood Watch’s concern. The guy would have stood out at a Halloween party. He was ghastly thin and white as a bed sheet. His features were human as far as shape and function, but his eyes were completely blue, as was his long robe. To top it off he was smoking a fat cigar and didn’t have a trace of hair on his body. On the crown of his head he wore a square blue cap. He blew cigar smoke Watch’s way as Watch’s comment was translated by the box he had just clipped to his belt.
    â€œMy name is Fur,” he said. “I am well known inthese parts. Ask anybody about me, they’ll give you a good recommendation.”
    â€œWhat would they recommend you for?” Adam asked.
    â€œI am a trader,” Fur said. “I make deals, good deals. May I sit down?”
    â€œYes,” Adam said. “I’m Adam and this is Watch.”
    â€œPleased to meet you both.”
    â€œWhy are you called Fur?” Watch asked. “You look like you don’t have a hair on your body.”
    Fur appeared displeased as he pulled up a chair. “Is it the custom on your world to insult somebody because he is bald?” He stroked his shiny white head. “When I get a little ahead, I plan on having a hair transplant.”
    â€œWhere are they going to transplant it from?” Watch asked. “Your twin sister?”
    â€œFur,” Adam said quickly. “My friend doesn’t mean to be rude. We’re just curious about what you want.” He added, “We’re strangers here.”
    â€œI can see that,” Fur said. “I spotted you the moment you came in, and have been studying you since.” He paused. “I know you’re from Earth, and that you’re young by that society’s standards.”
    â€œWe’re not that young,” Watch said.
    Fur smiled and they saw that his teeth were blue as well. “I am not bald and you are not young. Very well, we are off to a good start.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice. The translator softened as well—it was clearly