"Zach Hughes - For Texas and Zed" - читать интересную книгу автора (Hughes Zach)

 "As to terms," Anguls said. "As you may or may not know, a minimum of sixty percent of total shipments
would have to be carried in Empire hulls. This is a basic requirement, you know, over which I have no
control. Price? On that I am more flexible."

"Negative," Lex said, putting his fork down with a clatter.

"I'll handle this, boy," Murichon said.

"No Empire ships onTexas," Lex said, his voice cold.

"Will you shut up?" Murichon roared.

"Sorry, Dad, but—"

"But me no buts, just shut up, enjoy the view and eat." He had not missed the fact that his son's eyes
seemed glued to the red-painted nipples of the Lady Gwyn's mammaries. "No Empire hulls," he said,
looking deep into Jum Anguls' watery eyes.

That's what I just said, Dad," Lex said.

"Impossible," Gwyn said, letting her eyes leave Lex's bulging arm biceps for a moment. "Our Space
Guilds would not hear of it."

"Way I hear it," Murichon said, "your Space Guilds are hungry, too. But that's it. You've got the price.
You've got the terms. Delivery on Leader Anguls' site inTexashulls. Payment in acceptable metals. No
paper. No credits."

"Mr. Burns, what you propose is not only impossible, it's absolutely inane," Anguls said, his face serious.
"Are you implying that the coinage of the Empire is not stable?"

"I ain't implying anything," Murichon said. "But we damned sure can't spend Empire paper onTexas." He
rose. "Well, it's been a long day."

The two Empire people, accustomed to long, leisurely meals followed by stimulants, looked up, shocked
by such discourtesy. Gwyn, glancing at the First Leader, saw danger in his face. Quickly she put her hand
on his arm. "We are not dealing with civilized men," she whispered, as they rose together. Anguls
coughed back his anger and nodded.

"I will deliver your terms to our Economic Board," Anguls said. "I do not offer, however, any hope of
their being accepted."

Murichon shrugged. "Cassiopeian metals aren't as good as yours, to be frank, but they aren't slaves to
their Guilds." He yawned massively, not bothering to cover it. "Lex, you wanta show the good folks out?"

"Yeah, in a minute," Lex said, stuffing his mouth, wiping it on the back of his hand, rising while chewing
and swallowing. "You turning in, Dad?"

"It's been a long day, as I said."

"Mind if I go down the hill?" Lex asked, hitching at his low-hanging jeans.