Read Chess With a Dragon for Free Online Page B

sometrouble with vermin. They’re curious about our abilities as . . . the only word that translates is—”Kasahara scratched his ear embarrassedly, “—gardener.”
    â€œMm hm.” The Ambassador nodded. “Let’s get back to them on that one. Ask them for more details on what they need. Go on.”
    â€œThe J(kk)l and the J(rr)l are both willing to purchase frozen or dead individuals. They won’t pay as much as the Dragons, only one credit per body, but they are willing to assume the full cost of shipping. They have their own fleet. They’re willing to pick up on-site. All we have to do is provide them with the coordinates of our home system.”
    â€œI don’t like the sound of that—” someone said.
    â€œHush,” said the Ambassador. “We’re not discussing acceptability yet.” He nodded to Kasahara again.
    â€œUm—we also have six similar offers from—” Kasahara started leafing quickly through his papers.
    â€œNever mind,” interrupted the Ambassador. “We’ll get to them when we get to them. Keep going.”
    â€œYes sir.” Kasahara swallowed hard and turned to the next page.
    â€œWe have four more inquiries similar to the Nixies’. These are all routine; we haven’t met any of their liaison people. Apparently larval incubators are in great demand all over the InterChange—or it’s going to be quite a war. The Sslyb, the Whroolph, the Ki! (I don’t know if I pronounced any of those right) and the Mnxorn, have all tendered inquiries of availability, based on proven species compatibility—compatibility to be determined through hands-on testing; we assume the costs of the testing and providing suitable specimens. No bids from any of them until bio-compatibility is established to a 66% minimum.”
    Kasahara looked troubled for a moment, then added, “Analysis Section raises a serious question here, sir.”
    â€œWhat is it?”
    â€œWell . . . have the Nixies established biological compatibility already? If so, how? None of the other species have claimed it—and none of the others have offered bids either.” Kasahara was having a little difficulty reading the next part. “Analysis suggests that a deeper investigation may be mandated here. Perhaps the Nixies have already been experimenting with—”
    â€œNori—” The Ambassador interrupted gently. “If they have, there’s nothing we can do about it. Not yet, anyway. Just keep reading.”
    â€œYes sir.” Kasahara turned to the next page. “The Slugs—sorry sir, I mean, the Dhrooughleem—”
    â€œSlugs is acceptable to me,” said the Ambassador. “What are the Slugs offering?”
    â€œWell, they’ve very reluctantly withdrawn their previous offer. They have expressed great shame and embarrassment, but apparently our going public is seen as a great loss of trust in their ability to manage our indenture benevolently.”
    â€œYes, yes,” The Old Man made a gesture of annoyed impatience. “So what are the Slugs offering now?”
    â€œThree credits. Per body.”
    â€œFor what service?”
    â€œI’m not certain. It doesn’t seem to translate well. It’s–it’s guaranteed to be a dry-land service. The individuals are guaranteed refundable, but—the reprogramming is not guaranteeable.”
    â€œReprogramming?”
    â€œApparently, there will be some psychological adjustments needed for this particular service; upon completion of service, full restoration of previous mental condition may not be possible. Sir, I–I’m having a great deal of trouble with this—”
    â€œSo are we all, Nori. Please go on.”
    â€œWell, the Slugs’ offer almost looks like a pretty good one until you get into the details. They’re asking only for female individuals—”
    â€œDid they say