“More than you need?”
“Well … yes and no,” the commander hedged, glancing around the room. “Where’s your partner?”
“Do-Wop? He headed into town to do a little celebrating. Late as it is, I expect he won’t be back until morning.”
“Good, good,” Phule said absently. Now that he had found Sushi, he wasn’t quite sure what to say to him. “I, um … wanted to talk to you.”
“Let me make this easy for you, Captain,” the Legionnaire said, holding up a hand. “You want to know why I didn’t volunteer. Right?”
“Well … yes. If it isn’t prying, that is. I would have thought the assignment would be a natural for you. Considering …”
He let his voice trail off, leaving unsaid what was already common knowledge between the two of them.
Phule knew Sushi-or, at least, had a passing acquaintance with him-from before their respective enlistments in the Space Legion. They had traveled in the same, or similar, circles, both coming from exceptionally wealthy families. Phule also knew, as did a few in the company, that Sushi was an embezzler and that most of the money he had stolen had gone to finance a passion for casino gambling.
“I should think the answer is obvious.” Sushi shrugged. “I’m a compulsive gambler. I love high-stakes risks the way an alcoholic loves a bottle. That was bad enough when the only thing to lose was my own money and reputation-or that of my family’s company, as it turned out-but to have our company’s reputation riding on my control …” He shook his head. “I just think it would be safer all around if I stood normal duty and avoided the tables completely. The only sure way I’ve found to stop gambling is not to start.”