So it seemed almost natural to consider Usti nad Labam. when we were looking
for a site for our money-raising operation.
"It would be quite logical," Angelina had said, "to visit the newlyweds at
the same time as we begin our new financial operation. There seems to be a
good deal of money in circulation on this planet."
"And little else," I had said, flipping through the sales brochure churned
out by the planet's tourist board. "A very dull planet if you read between
the lines. Holiday camps where gambling is not allowed. At least drink isn't
banned-but I am sure that they are thinking about it."
"Jim diGriz-you are beginning to sound like an old grouch. We are going
there to visit our son and daughter-in-law. And we will make a lot of money.
And leave if it is as boring as you think and blast off to a planet of
pleasure."
So we had gone. And it was nowhere near as bad as I had thought. Since
gambling was illegal, there proved to be a good bit of clandestine gambling.
I had studied magic since I was a stripling and had been a pretty fair
cardician, as the professionals call it. That is someone who specializes in
card manipulation. Very handy on stage-and equally useful in playing poker.
When the stock market became boring I joined some payday card games and
always managed to win more than I lost.
Angelina had greatly enjoyed, as did I, visiting James and his wife. This
was always an excuse for a party and my gambling proceeds turned into joyful
celebrations at the best restaurants.
As good as this was, the rest of this world left a lot to be desired. The
planet must have evolved from a supernova because the ground was rich in
heavy metals for doping computer chips. Not to mention vast fields of the
purest silicon for making the chips themselves. The computer manufacturers
had thronged to Silicon Gulch. Followed by the software nerds and all the
other people who lived off technological industry.
We had come for a quick visit, then stayed on when we discovered that the
local and badly organized stock exchange could be a cash cow. Perhaps we had
stayed too long. Kaia's arrival had raised our morale-and the promise that
it would lead to our exodus from this none too attractive world.
"I'm going to call them now," Angelina said, and called out the number to
our telephone.
"I am connecting you now," the phone said. It was as good as its word and a
moment later I could hear the phone ringing at the other end.
"Nanotechtrics, how may I help you? " the computer generated smarmy voice
said.
