Nevan rose to bow. "I will pass your wishes, and word of your repayment, to the Lowrie. Go in peace, Captain Johansen--and please accept my wishes for your well-being. Whatever you think of me or my profession--" most Imperials were as dubious of field agents as they were of assassins--"I want only the best for the Empire and its officers." "Sandemans don't lie, so I accept that," Johansen said. Then, grudgingly, "Thank you, warrior." With that he left, abruptly. Nevan allowed himself a small smile, then went to get more chocolate milk. Not too promising so far, but he hadn't been here long, either. Perhaps half an hour after he returned to his table, another man approached, this one in an expensive suit. "Vance DarLowrie?" "Yes." Nevan recognized the type; a businesser who'd made enemies and wanted either protection or one of them eliminated. "I am not available at the moment." "You have other employment?" "That's none of your concern." The businesser sat. "It is if your target is Kiyoshi Owajima, as I've heard. I have reason to want him . . . out of the picture." "Oh?" Nevan remained noncommittal, but allowed himself to show a trace of interest. "I understand he's an Imperial officer--a dangerous target. Killing him would earn the death penalty or life imprisonment--death, if done simply for pay. That's a foolish risk, when there are any number of almost riskless targets around." "I can tell you where he's going when he finishes his current mission." "Interesting, if true," Nevan acknowledged. "It's true," the businesser said. Reading his face and body language, Nevan agreed. The man knew, was eager to say--and would report to Owajima as soon as he could. Nevan made himself look skeptical, which wasn't hard; this was obviously a setup. "Even if he were my target, which I do not say, I would want more than your unsupported word. Will you submit to truth drugs, or shall I use Sandeman methods?" "Torture, you mean." The businesser grimaced. "In my position, I don't dare submit to truth drugs. And I've no desire to use my pain to convince you I'm telling the truth." Nevan shrugged. "Those are the alternatives." He didn't particularly like torture himself, and especially disliked using it on one of a field agent's network. But an enemy would have no hesitation, and until he caught up with Owajima--or was caught himself--he was acting in that capacity. "If you are convinced Owajima is my target, and you wish to assist me in finding him, you will choose one. Otherwise, you will depart." The businesser looked angry, but Nevan could see he'd expected something of the sort. "The torture, then. When and where?" "My ship, now." Nevan stood. "Come along." * * * * *