Robert Asprin – Tambu

“No, it’s Eisner, Dwight Eisner. I’m the First Officer. Captain Blutman doesn’t like to handle the business end of things, so I take care of it for him.”

“Isn’t that a little strange?” Dobbs frowned. Usually…”

“Mr. Dobbs,” Eisner sighed, “if you had treated Ulnar Blutman the way you treated me, I guarantee he would have broken your nose and dumped your goods out the nearest airlock. He is, at best, an unpleasant man.”

“I see,” Dobbs commented, taken slightly aback. “Say, are you taking cargo on before you ship out? Maybe I can put together a shipment for you. You know, to make up for the way I’ve acted.”

“That won’t be necessary. We already have a sizable load to pick up at our next stop.”

He set the case aside abruptly.

“The count tallies. Just a moment and I’ll transfer it into our safe and you can have your case back.”

“Keep it.” Dobbs waved. “Consider it a present. How much have you taken in this run, anyway?”

“Nearly a quarter of a million. A little less than average, but it’s not bad.”

“Quarter of a million?” In cash?” Dobbs was visibly impressed. “That’s a lot of money!”

“I just wish it was mine.” Eisner laughed. “Unfortunately, there are a lot of people waiting at the other end of the run to get their share. Our piece is ridiculously small considering the risks we take, but if we up our prices too much, the companies will buy their own ships and we’ll be out of business.”

“I suppose. Well, I’ve got to get going now. Watch out for pirates, and if you’re ever back this way, look me up. I’ll buy you a drink.”