They're the first Gambolts to ever enlist in the s.p.a.ce Legion instead of joining their own unit in the Regular Army-which is a feather in our cap-but they signed on under the express condition that they be a.s.signed to your unit. It seems your s...o...b..ating for the media is finally paying some dividends."

"I suppose that if-"

"The next one isn't really a recruit," the general continued. "He's an observer, sent by the Zen.o.bians to study our tactics and ethics prior to their signing a treaty with us. You remember the Zen.o.bians, don't you, Captain? Those little lizards you tangled with back in Haskin's Planet?"

"Of course, sir. I ..."

"Since you were the first human to make contact with them, the government felt, and I agreed with them, that you would be the logical choice to deal with their observer. He remembers you, by the way. Even asked for you by name ... except he remembers it as 'Captain Clown.'"

"I see." Phule scowled. "Is that all, sir?"

"Not quite." The general grinned. "The last one we're sending you is in response to your request."

"My request, sir?"

"Yes. I have it right here." Blitzkrieg held up a sheet of paper. "It took me a while to find just the right Legionnaire to fit your needs. Captain, knowing as I do how selective you are, but I think I've got what you need. You requested a chaplain for your company, and I'm sending you one. Don't ever say that Headquarters doesn't give you the support you deserve. Blitzkrieg out."

For several moments the four officers stared silently at the empty s.p.a.ce left by the general's image after he broke the connection.

"Sir?" Armstrong said at last. "A chaplain?"

"It's a long story, Lieutenant," Phule said, rubbing his forehead with one hand. "To be honest with you, I had forgotten completely about making the request."

"I'd watch my step if I were you, Captain," Colonel Battleax advised. "The general's dislike for you doesn't seem to be mellowing with time."

"We'll manage," the commander said. "However, in honor of the general and to celebrate the a.s.signment, I'd like to propose a toast. I'm blatantly stealing it, but it somehow seems appropriate."

He raised his gla.s.s toward his colleagues.

"To honorable enemies and dishonorable friends!"

In a casino restaurant elsewhere on Lorelei, another discussion of a totally different nature was taking place.

"I've got to admit, Max," Laverna was saying, "you're taking this a lot better than I thought you would."

Maxine frowned. "Taking what?"

"You know ... having to back off from Willard Phule and his crew. I know it goes against the grain for you to throw in the towel."

"Don't be silly, Laverna." Max smiled. "We're far from done with young Mr. Phule. I thought you realized that."

Laverna c.o.c.ked her head in surprise.

"You're going back on your word? I've never known you to do that, Max."

"Who said I was going back on my word?" the crime kingpin said. "All I promised was to abandon my efforts to gain control of the Fat Chance-a plan which, you'll recall, we had already all but given up on. Of course, you and I know that just because the Fat Chance is safe from me doesn't mean it's safe. What's more, as far as 'safe' goes, I said nothing about leaving Mr. Phule and his force alone."

"That's true," Laverna admitted.

"It occurs to me that a lot of people saw that transmission today, when I effectively announced to one and all that the Fat Chance was outside my sphere of influence."

"You mean you think some of the other families might have seen it?"

"Or the Yakusa," Max acknowledged. "Remember, we both found the tale our fraudulent Jonesy told possible enough to take him seriously. As a matter of fact, just in case they missed it, I'm sending them a copy of the tape, along with a personal note. Even if they aren't interested in the Fat Chance, I'm sure they'll be fascinated by the news that someone was posing as their representative. I'm also making inquiries as to whether or not a certain bartender did indeed ever ride with the Outlaws Hover Cycle Club, and if he did, under what circ.u.mstances he left their company."

Laverna leaned back in her chair and stared at her employer.

"You're really pulling out the stops on this one, aren't you?"

"As you pointed out, Laverna, I don't like to lose. However, you seem to have missed completely the most dubious maneuver I've pulled. It's not surprising, really. Young Mr. Phule seems to have missed it as well."

"What was that?"

Maxine's eyes narrowed as she looked into the distance.

"Think for a moment, Laverna," she said. "If anyone, you would know about the disproportionate interest and suspicion the tax people level at casinos and their owners. Well, this afternoon's broadcast not only alerted our colleagues as to the opportunity now available at the Fat Chance, it also made some of our traditional adversaries aware that Mr. Phule is now among the ranks of casino owners ... and I don't think he's even begun to realize what's in store for him there."