Phule’s Company by Robert Asprin

“Not less than a quarter of a million,” the Oriental said firmly and without hesitation.

Do-Wop’s head came up like a shot.

“A quarter of a … Oh bullshit!”

The other two men ignored him.

“Of course,” Phule said levelly, “eight or nine million would be even better.”

“Of course.” Sushi nodded, locking gazes with his commander.

Do-Wop’s head swiveled back and forth as he frowned at each of them in turn.

“What the hell are you guys talking about?” he demanded at last.

The Oriental broke off the staring match, shaking his head with a sigh.

“What Captain Jester is speaking of with polite circuitousness is something he has been careful not to acknowledge since he took command of our unit. Specifically that he and I have met prior to our enlistment … under social business situations. “

“You two know each other?”

“What is more,” Sushi continued, “he is leaving it up to me whether or not to mention that I left the business community under a cloud of suspicion-a matter of embezzlement involving several million dollars. “

“It was never proven,” Phule said.

The Oriental smiled. “Computers are marvelous devices, aren’t they?”

“Wait a minute!” Do-Wop exploded. “Are you trying to tell me you got nine million dollars?”

“I don’t actually have it.” Sushi grimaced. “It was eaten up by a series of … shall we say, bad investments.”

“Bad investments?”

“It’s another term for gambling debts,” Phule informed him.

“Excuse me. Captain?”

The company’s first sergeant had approached the table during their discussion.

“Uh … can it wait, Brandy?” Phule said, leaning back from the conversation. “We’re kind of in the middle of something here.”