Page 57 of Salvation for the Alien Mercenary
Kraatt didn't react to the sharp tone, just leaned back in his chair.
"Unusual changes interest information brokers," he said. "Worth much to right buyers." He tilted his head, the movement oddly insect-like. "But perhaps alternative arrangement possible. Credits sufficient, if quantity impressive."
"How much?" Davis asked.
"Two hundred thousand."
Davis laughed, the sound harsh in the small room. "For unverified information about a scientist who disappeared years ago? No. Forty thousand."
Thexus's lower hands fluttered against the tabletop. "Information well-verified. Sources impeccable. One hundred fifty."
"For a second-rate scientist?" Davis snorted in amusement. "Fifty thousand, and that's generous."
She watched the broker's expression as he considered.
"Thexus," she said, leaning forward slightly. "We understand information of this quality commands premium rates. But surely a broker of your reputation prefers building long-term relationships over one-time transactions?"
The broker's eyes brightened at her words. His secondary hands stilled.
"The female speaks wisdom," he said. "Reputation valuable. Future business possible."
"Guaranteed," Davis added, picking up her thread. "If your information leads us to K’ell or someone equally knowledgeable. The Reapers often need good intelligence."
The fingers of the broker's four hands tapped on the table, like he was calculating something.
"Seventy thousand," he finally declared, "Plus right of first refusal on future intelligence."
"Sixty thousand, plus future consideration. But not the right of first refusal. Final offer," Davis said firmly.
"Acceptable." The broker nodded. "Payment first."
Davis tapped a series of commands on his wrist unit. A small device on the table lit up with transaction details. Kraatt pulled it toward himself to verify the payment. Satisfied, he pocketed it and leaned forward.
"K’ell has disappeared most effectively," he said, voice dropping lower. "Traces ended three years ago. Trail cold."
Davis's jaw tightened. "That's not worth sixty thousand credits."
Kraatt raised a secondary hand, palm outward. "Information not complete," he added. "K’ell worked closely with research assistant, Laaer."
"Where is this Laaer?" she asked.
Kraatt glanced at her. "R’aaxiin research station. Officially studies indigenous plant adaptations." The edges of his mouth curved upward in what might have been a smile. "Unofficially... works for highest bidder."
"How confident are you in this information?" Davis asked, his voice steady.
"Verified through three separate sources," Kraatt replied. "One visual confirmation within past fourteen days."
Davis nodded and placed his hand on the table as if to push himself up. She frowned, spotting the tremor running through his hand and forearm. His face paled beneath his tan, and his jaw clenched.
"One more thing," Kraatt said, thankfully not noticing Davis's sudden distress. "Laaer not alone. Has arrangement with local security forces. Caution advised."
"We got it," Davis said, the sound half-grunt, half-growl. His pupils dilated so rapidly that she saw it even from her angle, sitting down. The golden ring around his irises flared wide, and this time even Kraatt noticed, his eyes widening as he leaned forward with renewed interest.
"Are you—" the broker began.
"We're done," Davis cut him off, his voice rough like gravel. He pushed to his feet, but his knees buckled slightly.
She shot to her feet and got between him and the broker's too-interested stare. "Thank you for the information," she said, reaching behind to grasp Davis's wrist. His pulse hammered against her fingertips, racing at an impossible pace.
