Little Myth Marker By Robert Asprin

I leaned back in my chair and took a deep breath. If that was their only concern, my idea was at least deemed worthy of consideration.

Massha caught my eye and winked.

I toasted her back, feeling justifiably smug.

“Does this company accept new applicants?”

We all turned to find Markie in the door, suitcase in her hand.

“I don’t think I have to tell you all about my qualifications,” she continued, “but I admire this group and would be proud to be a part of it.”

The crew exchanged glances.

“Well, Markie.. “

“It’s still nebulous…”

“You’ve got the Elemental stuff down cold …”

“What do you think, Skeeve?” Aahz said. “You’re the one who’s usually big on recruiting old enemies.”

“No, “I said firmly.

They were all looking at me again.

“Sorry to sound so overbearing right after claiming I wanted everybody to have a say in things,” I continued, “but if Markie’s in, I’m out.”

“What’s the problem. Skeeve?” Markie frowned. “I thought we were still on pretty good terms.”

“We are,” I nodded. “I’m not mad at you. I won’t work against your career or hit you or hold a grudge. You were just doing your job.”

I raised my head and our eyes met.

“I just can’t go along with how you work, is all. You say you admire our group-well, the glue that holds us together is trust. The way you operate is to get people to trust you, then betray it. Even if you stayed loyal to our group, I don’t think I want to be associated in business with someone who thinks that’s the way to turn a profit.”

I stopped there, and no one else raised a voice to contradict me.