“I appreciate the advice, Beeker,” Phule said, “but for your information the crowd I’m accustomed to playing with has little regard for civilized law. I have not succeeded in the past by underestimating an opponent … nor by underestimating myself.”
“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.”
“Enough of that,” the commander said. “It’s time we got to work. I hope your fingers are rested, Beek, ’cause there’s a bit of non-Legion business I want you to take care of for me. We’re going to be doing some hiring, and I’d like you to do the initial screening and have your recommendations on my desk by noon tomorrow.”
“Very well, sir.” The butler was not fazed by the sudden change in mood and topic, nor by the request. The two men had worked together for a long time. “And our requirements are … ?”
“First, I need a solid casino security man-someone with experience and unquestionable references. Top dollar for the right man. Also, I want at least half a dozen instructors who can teach the table games. Check with the dealer’s schools-buy one if you have to-but I need them all here. Charter a ship, too, before our replacements arrive. Offer them all a half year’s wages, but we’ll only need them from the hiring date until our transport hits the last big port before Lorelei …What would that be?”
“Port Lowe, sir.”
“Right. Next …” Phule allowed himself a small smile. “This may be a little out of the ordinary for you, Beek, but I need to set up a cattle call.”
“Sir?”
“An audition. Find out what our first stop is after we leave here, then use the computer to pull up data on available actors and actresses at that location-bit players only. We don’t need any recognizable faces.”