For one thing, its going to take years before that data starts paying out, and I cant wait that long. She took a deep breath before continuing. I need a ship, Sabby one that can keep me alive for months, preferably years. Youre the only person I can think of who could possibly find me one at short notice.

He began to chuckle, the sound dying on his lips when he noticed her expression. Oh, my God, he said. Youre serious.

And it has to be equipped with a nova drive, she added.

His smile faded entirely. Now I do know youre crazy. You just cant buy a ship like that.

Back in the old days, she said, the Three Star Alliance had a couple of small, nova-equipped scout ships used for exploration and mapping. One or two of them are still missing, since the Accords never been able to find them. She paused for effect. But in fact I know theyre being used to transport sans de sezi all across the colonies.

Sarbakshian paled. How could you know about . . . ?

Except the cost of maintaining them was too high, she continued, not to mention the fact that they became so hot to handle that you and your partners couldnt even offload the damn nova drives they contained. She shrugged. Did I get any of the details wrong?

Sarbakshian looked haggard and defeated suddenly, shrinking into his seat. I should kill you, he muttered.

You could, she agreed. But you wont, because youll assume Ive made arrangements for everything I know about those missing ships to be transmitted to the relevant authorities if I dont check in at a certain time and place.

I have people who could torture that information out of you.

I know you, Sabby. You dont work that way. You never have. And youve been looking for a way out of this business for a long time. Or so you told me the last time you talked me into bed, back on Corkscrew.

She saw all the fight go out of him.

Fine, he said, waving one hand. The ships were a dreadful investment one of my worst. They nearly bankrupted me.

So do we have a deal?

Yes, damn you. We have a deal. Sarbakshians gaze dipped momentarily towards her chest. Wed make a wonderful team, you and I. You have the body of an angel, and the mind of a hungry snake. Maybe if you stuck around . . .

I wish I could, Sabby. But I owe a favour to another old friend.

Sarbakshian shook his head and leaned over the table, to pick up a pitcher full to the brim with a pale liquid that smelled faintly of flowers. Then, unless youre really in a hurry, how about a drink to old times?

Sabby.