“I still do,” replied Jacinto. “But if word gets out that Santiago can be frightened off, then before long everyone we deal with will be surrounding themselves with killers and refusing to honor their commitments to us.” He paused. “We don’t do business with honorable men, Mr. Cain. It is their fear of Santiago that keeps them in line, nothing more.”

“It’s probably all for the best that you don’t have children,” remarked Cain ironically. “Being the most feared man on the Frontier isn’t much of a legacy to leave them.”

“It would be more satisfying to lead my troops into glorious battle,” agreed Santiago. “Unfortunately, that’s not the kind of war we’re fighting—and my troops, for the most part, are a bunch of misfits, reprobates, and criminals who don’t even know they’re involved in financing a revolution.”

“How often do you deal with them directly?” asked Cain.

“Very seldom. Things seem to work much more smoothly when they think I’m some kind of unapproachable demigod. Even in this day and age there’s a considerable amount of primal mysticism in the human soul; it would be foolish not to capitalize on it.” He paused. “This doesn’t mean that I don’t take a very personal interest in my operation. I’m away from Safe Harbor about half the time—but since only a handful of people know what I look like. I can usually check up on my employees without any danger of disclosure.”

“No one’s ever suspected you?”

“Let’s say that no one’s ever been so bold as to voice their suspicions to my face,” replied Santiago with a satisfied smile. “Every now and then I let them know—always well after the fact—that they’ve been in my presence without being aware of it; it helps to convince them that I’m a mysterious criminal kingpin from whom nothing can be kept hidden.” He paused. “I would say that takes up most of my time abroad.”

“And the rest of it?”

“I do have other business to conduct.” answered Santiago. “I search for potential recruits, look for weak spots in the Democracy’s defenses, and try to determine which worlds can best use our money and our manpower.”

“Always without their knowledge, of course,” added Jacinto. “If we let them know, then the Democracy would realize what Santiago really is.”

“So it’s like a chess game.” said Cain. “Move and countermove.”

“I really couldn’t say,” said Santiago. “I’ve never played chess.”

“Never?” asked Cain sharply.

“Never,” replied Santiago. “You say it like I’ve committed some kind of sin.”

“I apologize,” said Cain. “I was just surprised.”

“No offense taken,” said Santiago. He paused. “You’re sure I can’t offer you some dinner?”

“In a little while, perhaps.”

“Or another drink?”

Cain shook his head. “No, thanks. I’d like to ask you a question.”

“Go right ahead.”