Exiled to the Stars Read Online Free Page A

credits in your wallet."
    Vlad's frown deepened. "You think he'll try to steal it?"
    Von shook his head. "No, Manny isn't muscle, or a dip. But he'll certainly be capable of selling the information to someone who is. Manny's a trader, a dealer. He'll deal anything of value, and information can be of great value to the right person. If he's good, and I suspect he is, he'll probably be very successful, even on a colony world.
    "Second, though, is the fact that Manny's right. In a week or so, all those credits turn to wastepaper. If you're going to benefit from having them, you have to do something with them now ."
    "And I suppose you have an idea," Vlad replied in an ironic tone.
    Ron smiled. "You're finally catching on. If you're going to survive, you'll need to develop a healthy cynicism and suspicion. But yes, I do have some ideas, or rather suggestions.
    "You need to get rid of that money while it still has value, but we're not exactly in a position to run down to the shopping center or order on the EarthNet. So, as I said, I'm going to ask you to trust me. Essentially, I want to hire Manny to get us some things we're likely to need. Or, if you prefer, get you things you're likely to need.
    Vlad shrugged. "Oh, I have no objection to sharing. I confess, I've never had a talent for handling money. But I do trust you, young man. Certainly I trust you enough to give you a wad of what is soon to be wastepaper." He opened his wallet, and handed the entire sheaf of bills to Ron. "But I admit I'm rather surprised that you trust Manny."
    Ron barked a laugh. "Trust him? Well, I suppose you could call it that. Manny is totally amoral, but he will have a rather twisted sense of 'honor'. For instance, Manny would sell the information that you have credits for two beers. But if he made a deal with you to keep quiet about it, it would take torture to get the information out of him. I know his type. They're not honest by any measure, but they won't 'bust a deal'.
    "Okay," he continued, "You have about nine thousand here, and I have another two thousand. We should hold back a thousand for other things, but ten thousand should get us a lot of things we'll need. Things EarthGov wouldn't let us bring.
    "So, we need to put together a 'wish list' of things we'd like to have. Be imaginative. Don't forget, the only things we'll have available are what we take with us. Even if there's something you think you might want in a few years, put it on the list. Keep in mind, though, that we'll have to find places to hide anything we buy."
    They talked for a few more minutes before Ron called Manny back. "Did you tell anyone about Vlad's credits?" he asked.
    Manny gave him a sharp look before replying. "Naw. I din't know th' right customers yet."
    Ron nodded. "Good," he said. "Manny, we want to offer you a deal. We want you to take our credits, and use them to get us some things while you still can. Most of them will have to come from the guards or attendants. Anything you have left is yours."
    Manny's eyes gleamed with avarice. "What if I can't get everything you want?"
    Ron shrugged. "Then we negotiate your cut."
    "Let's see the list."
    Manny scrutinized the list Ron gave him. "Hmm. Stunner's probably no problem, but a blaster or laser might be. Fighting knives and practice knives, okay. Hush field generator. They're hard to come by and expensive, but I'll try. The engineer's wrist computers and most of this other stuff should be easy, if you got the credits. How much you got?"
    Ron shrugged. "Ten thousand credits, cash"
    Manny frowned, lost in thought as he calculated the probable cost of the objects on the list. Finally, he nodded and looked up. "I'll try. What're your priorities?"
    Ron ticked them off on his fingers. "Highest priority is weapons. I've got a feeling we're going to need them badly, either on board or on a colony world. Knives and practice knives first, then the stunners and the stun grenades. Blaster or laser next, at least one,