Hume shook his head. "No, just what I said I am, an Out-Hunter who
happened to come into some knowledge that will assist in straightening
out a few crooked quirks in several systems. I have no love for the
Kogan clan, but to help bring down a Veep of Wass' measure does aid in
reinstating one's self-esteem."
"This victim compensation--I _could_ claim it, even though the deal
was a set-up?"
"You'll have first call on Wass' assets. He has plenty invested in
legitimate enterprises, though we'll probably never locate all his
hidden funds. But everything we can get open title to will be
impounded. Have something to do with your share?" inquired the
officer.
"Yes."
Hume was smiling subtly. He was a different man from the one Vye had
known on Jumala. "Premium for the Guild is one thousand credits down,
two thousand for training and say another for about the best field
outfit you can buy. That'll give you maybe another two or three
thousand to save for your honorable retirement."
"How did you know?" Vye began and then had to laugh in spite of
himself as Hume replied:
"I didn't. Good guess, eh? Well, zoom out your recorder, Commander. I
think you are going to have some very free speech now." He got to his
feet. "You know, the Guild has a stake in this alien discovery. We may
just find that we haven't seen the last of that valley after all,
recruit."
He was gone and Vye, eager to have the past done with, and the future
beginning, reached for the dictation mike.
* * * * *