'Ah,' Jack said, trying to sound casual. 'Just like that.'
'Just like that,' Snake Voice assured him. 'A simple enough job for a man of Virgil Morgan's talents.'
'Naturally,' Jack agreed with a sinking feeling in his empty stomach. Right. Breaking into a strongly built and heavily protected vault aboard a luxury starliner should be just a walk in the park.
Maybe for Uncle Virgil it would have been. Problem was, Uncle Virgil was dead. 'And what's the pay?'
'He gets his nephew back,' Snake Voice said quietly. 'In one piece, and with no Vagran warrant for his arrest.'
Jack swallowed. 'Yeah,' he muttered. 'Under the circumstances, I think he'll take the job.'
'Excellent,' Snake Voice said, his voice as calm and untroubled as if he'd just closed some simple business deal. 'Drabs, have the bridge set up an InterWorld connection to the office here. Mr. Morgan will be placing a call to his uncle.'
'Yes, sir,' Drabs said, closing and sealing the suitcase again. Lifting it off Jack's lap, he started back toward the door.
Hesitantly, Jack lifted a finger. 'Excuse me, but it's not quite that simple.'
'No?' Snake Voice asked, a definite hint of threat in his voice.
'No,' Jack said. 'I'm not calling Uncle Virgil from here. You put me aboard the Star of Wonder, and I'll take it from there.'
'Impossible,' Snake Voice said. 'You're staying here as a guarantee of your uncle's behavior.'
Jack lifted his eyebrows. 'Then get someone else to do the job.'
'You want me to change his mind, sir?' Drabs asked.
'I'd like nothing better,' Snake Voice said. 'Unfortunately, Morgan will want guarantees that his nephew is unharmed.'
'You put him aboard the liner and he'll bolt,' Drabs warned. 'Sure as anything he will.'
'No, I don't think so,' Snake Voice said thoughtfully. 'He's smart enough to realize that once a warrant is issued on Vagran, he'll never be safe again. Not anywhere in the Orion Arm.'
Jack sighed. 'Yes, thanks, I've got the message. How far away is the liner?'
'Not far,' Snake Voice said. 'Across this very spaceport, as a matter of fact. Drabs will take you there and buy you a ticket.'
'Fine,' Jack said. 'What about clothes and tools?'
'You can pick up a change of clothing aboard ship,' Snake Voice said. 'As for tools, I presume Morgan will bring his own. When you contact him.'
There was a slight shuffling noise, as if the man behind the desk was leaning forward. 'You are planning to contact him as you promised, aren't you?'
'Don't worry,' Jack said, wishing fervently that he did have Uncle Virgil to call on. Or even Uncle Virge. 'I know how to handle it,' he added, trying to sound like he actually did. 'I want my stuff back, though.'
'Your stuff?'
'My multitool, EvGa, and tangler,' Jack told him. 'Your people took them from me on Vagran.'
'Of course,' Snake Voice said. 'Drabs will return your multitool before you board the ship. You won't be needing the other items.'
'But—'
'Then that's settled,' Snake Voice said. 'One final point. The liner will leave here early this afternoon, make three more stops, then reach its final destination twelve days from now. Your uncle has just that long to complete his task. I suggest you don't wait too long to contact him.'
Twelve days. Terrific. 'Sure,' Jack said.
'Good. Any questions?'
'Yes, actually,' Jack said. 'What's in the real cylinder, and who am I stealing it from?'
'So; no questions,' Snake Voice said. 'Excellent. You'll be contacted again in twelve days. I trust your uncle will be there to give me good news.'
An unseen signal passed, and Drabs got a grip on his arm. 'On your feet, kid.'
Jack did as ordered. Halfway up, a black bag unexpectedly dropped over his head. 'Hey!'
'A necessary precaution,' Snake Voice said. 'Enjoy the cruise.'
They were out of the ship and into a land vehicle before the blindfold came off. Even then, they weren't taking any chances: the vehicle was a closed truck, and he and Drabs were in the back. 'First class all the way, I see,' Jack commented. 'Where do I sleep on the liner, the engine room?'
'Funny,' Drabs growled. 'Don't worry, I'll get you a real nice double cabin. Like the boss said, we want you to enjoy the trip.'
They rode the rest of the way in silence. Jack still hadn't had a chance to check on Draycos, but he could feel some slight movement on his skin now. He hoped the dragon was okay.
Finally, they pulled to a stop. 'End of the line?' Jack asked.
'For me, yes,' Drabs said. 'For you, it's the beginning.'
