Phule’s Paradise by Robert Asprin

“My what?” he said, scowling.

“The Bug Squad,” the Legionnaire persisted. “At least, that’s what you used to call them. You know, Albert’s crew-the computer auditors.”

“Oh. Them.” Victor Phule nodded. “Sorry, son. I can’t help you there.”

“Come on, Dad,” the commander said. “You know I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t really need them. Neither of us has time to play games on the price. I’ll go two points on our next deal, but beyond that …”

“Whoa! Hold it, Willie,” the elder Phule said, holding up a restraining hand. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t help you. I said I couldn’t! Albert and his team don’t work for me anymore. They split off and formed their own company. Now I have to contract them myself for any work I need.”

“I see,” the Legionnaire said thoughtfully. “Tell me, was the parting amicable?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you and Albert still on good terms, or is he going to dig in his heels if anyone mentions the name Phule to him?” the commander clarified. “It sounds like I’m going to have to approach him on my own, and I’m trying to figure out if I’ll have to go through an intermediary or not.”

“Oh, there were no hard feelings involved-at least, not from his side,” Victor Phule said. “He’s not an easy man to deal with, though. He doesn’t even give me a discount for his services, even after I footed the bill while he recruited and trained the team he’s running.”

“Well, you didn’t hire him for his personality,” the Legionnaire responded with a chuckle. “And weren’t you the one who always told me that loyalty had to be earned, not hired?”