"She only contacted me a few minutes ago. I was on my
way to tell you when you called assembly."
"What's the offer?" Miceal demanded. "And who's the
buyer?" He could not recall any likely immediate pros-
pects. Trewsworld's government was the most logical can-
didate, but the colony planet lacked the trained personnel
to crew a starship, and hiring the needed people would be
an expensive proposition. They were figuring on long and
careful negotiations to convince the on-woriders of the
eventual wisdom of such a move.
"None other than Rael Cofort, acting on behalf of her
illustrious brother, of course."
If the Cargo-Master had been looking to provoke a reac-
tion from his comrades, he succeeded admirably. Teague
Cofort had made so many incredible strikes in what was
not a terribly long career that he was a legend throughout
Trade. When he moved on anything, it was inevitably with
purpose.
Cofort enjoyed the luxury of choice in the charters he
took on or even considered, and his interest in this was
confirmation of the strong base the Queen had laid down
Redllne the Stars 13
here, coming in as she had at the very opening of regular
commerce between the two planets of Trewsworld and
Riginni, and, indeed, in initiating it. Whatever his reasons
for wanting the freighter, the opportunity of picking up the
local Trade operation was likely a good part of the draw.
Ships like the Space Wrack were easily found on the star-
lanes he usually traveled for those with the credits to pay
for them. The Trader prince had no need to come this far
out on the rim hunting one. Space, he could order one new
from the shipyards!
Jellico's finger pensively rubbed the blaster scar that
marred his right cheek. They would be going into the
negotiations very much on the weaker side, but there
would be no negotiations at all if Cofort did not need or
seriously want the Wrack. He was no philanthropist and
drove a good bargain for himself, but he had a reputation
