"Call it whatever you want to. There's something big going on out there, and I don't plan to be left out." "Arena, when I clear atmosphere, we'll talk. Take it or leave it." The smile was gone now. Arena looked at me, rubbing a finger along his blue cheek. "Suppose I was to tell you I know where your other three boys are, Maclamore?" "Do you?" I said. "And the boat," Arena said. "The works." "If you've got them here, I want to see them, Arena. If not, don't waste my time." "I haven't exactly got 'em here, Maclamore. But I know a guy that knows where they are." "Yeah." I said. Arena looked mad. "Okay, I'll give it to you, Maclamore. I got a partner in this deal. Between us we got plenty. But we need what you got, too." "I've made my offer, Arena. It stands." "Have I got your word on that, Maclamore?" He stood up and came over to stand before me. "The old Academy word. You wouldn't break that, would you Maclamore?" "I'll do what I said." Arena walked to his desk, a massive boulder of Jadeite, cleaved and polished to a mirror surface. He thumbed a key. "Send him in here," he said. I waited. Arena sat down and looked across at me. Thirty seconds passed and then the door opened and Stenn walked in. * * * * * Stenn glanced at me. "Well," he said. "Mr. Smith." "The Smith routine is just a gag," Arena said. "His name is--Maclamore." For an instant, I thought I saw a flash of expression on Stenn's face. He crossed the room and sat down. "Well," he said. "A very rational move, your coming here. I trust you struck a profitable bargain?" He looked hard at me, and this time there was expression. Hate, I would call it, offhand. "Not much of a deal at that, Stenn," Arena said. "The captain is a tough nut to crack. He wants my help with no strings attached. I think I'm going to buy it." "How much information has he given you?" Arena laughed. "Nothing," he said. "Max Arena going for a deal like that. Funny, huh? But that's the way the fall-out fogs 'em." "And what have you arranged?" "I turn him loose, him and Williams. I figure you'll go along, Stenn, and let him have the three guys you got. Williams will tell him where the Scout boat is, so there's no percentage in your holding out." "What else?" "What else is there?" Arena spread his hands. "They pick up the boat, fuel up--someplace--and they're off. And the captain here gives me the old Academy word he cuts me in, once he's clear." There was a long silence. Arena smiled comfortably; Stenn sat calmly, looking at each of us in turn. I crossed my fingers and tried to look bored. "Very well," Stenn said. "I seem to be presented with a _fait accompli_...." I let a long breath out. I was going to make it.... "... But I would suggest that before committing yourself, you take the precaution of searching Mr. Maclamore's person. One never knows." I could feel the look on my face. So could Arena.