“It is not an equipment malfunction,” Tambu interrupted. “For security reasons, my picture is never transmitted.”
“Oh,” Blackjack blinked. “Of course. A very sound policy.”
Tambu smiled in wry amusement. As incredible as it seemed, Blackjack hadn’t recognized his voice. The difference between the swaggering bully he had met on Trepe and the servile figure on the screen was ludicrous.
“You said you wanted to speak with me?” he asked levelly. “My time is limited.”
Blackjack licked his lips nervously. “Well, sir, we’ve heard that you’re forming a peacekeeping force and were accepting members who were… that is, regardless of their past records.”
“That is correct. And in answer to your unasked question, some of our crews have been pirates in the past.”
Blackjack smiled. “Good, because we’d like to join up. I mean, we’d like to become a part of your force, if that’s possible.”
Tambu raised his eyebrows in surprise. This was a turn of events he hadn’t anticipated.
“I know this is irregular,” Blackjack continued hastily, misinterpreting the silence. “But if you could just supply us with a few details as to what you’re expecting-“
“Why?” Tambu interrupted.
Anger flashed momentarily in Blackjack’s eyes, and his posture stiffened. Then he regained his smile.
“I know it’s an annoyance, but it’s been hard getting a line on your operations. We figured maybe if we went right to the source-“
“I meant why do you want to join. I was under the impression you had a lucrative business of your own going.”
“You’ve heard of me?” Blackjack seemed both surprised and flattered.