Jack Vance - Tschai 03 by The Dirdir

Author:The Dirdir [Dirdir, The]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2011-11-27T01:33:00+00:00

“Financing is no problem,” said Reith. “We have ample funds.”

“Indeed!” Woudiver was impressed. “How much, may I ask, are you prepared to spend?”

“Oh, fifty to a hundred thousand sequins.”

Woudiver gave his head a shake of indulgent amusement. “A hundred thousand would be barely adequate.” He turned a glance toward Hei. “I could never concern myself in any illicit or forbidden enterprise.”

“Naturally not.”

“I might be able to advise you, on a friendly and informal basis, for say, a fixed fee, or perhaps a percentage of outlay, and a small share in any eventual rewards.”

“Something of the sort might suit our needs,” said Reith. “How long, at an estimate, would such a project require?”

“Who knows? Who can prophesy such things? A month? Two months? Information is essential, which we now lack. A knowledgeable person from the Grand Spaceyards must be consulted.”

“Knowledgeable, competent, and trustworthy,” amended Reith.

“That goes without saying. I know the very man, a person for whom I have done several favors. In the course of a day or two I will see him and bring up the matter.”

“Why not now?” asked Reith. “The sooner the better.”

Woudiver raised a hand. “Haste leads to miscalculation. Come back in two days; I may have news for you. But first the matter of finance. I cannot invest my time without a retainer. I will need a small sum-say five thousand sequins-as earnest money.”

Reith shook his head. “I’ll show you five thousand.” He produced a card of purple sequins.

“In fact here is twenty thousand. But we can’t afford to spend a sequin except on actual costs.”

Woudiver’s face was one vast hurt. “What of my fee, then? Must I toil for joy alone?”

“Of course not. If all goes well, you will be rewarded to your satisfaction.”

“This must serve for the moment,” declared Woudiver in sudden heartiness. “In two days I will send Artilo for you. Discuss the matter with no one! Secrecy is absolutely essential!”

“This we well understand. In two days then.”

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