Monkey Business (Bob and Nikki Book 10), стр. 94

“I knew the fellow you’re talking about. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy, I believe they say on your planet.”

“So, you don’t think Snappi will be in much trouble?”

“Oh, they’ll run him out of the service, but he’s been talking about coming back to work for me for years now. I just need to sell enough of your walnuts to afford a second ship.”

“I sent him back with a hundred pounds a ship, as a good-will offering. I hope that doesn’t wind up cutting into your business.”

“The working girls in port will eat well, I doubt it will go much farther than that.”

“Come on aboard, let’s do some business.”

“Monkey business?”

“That’s the best kind, isn’t it?”

I met him in the landing bay. We shook hands and he asked, “You’re not going to make me negotiate with those two scary little ladies again, are you?”

“No, you’re safe, they’re away on other business.” I saw Tikki peeking around the corner, and said, “Come on in, they’ll be through setting up in a minute, anyway.” She walked in, trying to pretend she hadn’t been hiding. She might could have pulled it off, if it weren’t for Janet and Milly giggling along behind her. Shorty showed up about then. He asked, “Did you want me to look at the goods again, Boss?”

“If you would, please.” As soon as the boys were done setting out what Captain Dressi had brought to trade, Shorty started in looking it over. Tikki started in on the boys. Janet and Milly must have thought it was the funniest thing they ever saw, because all they could do was giggle. Captain Dressi said, “You better watch those two, if you have any human boys around. I think they are, what is it you people say, ‘boy crazy’.”

“Looks that way, doesn’t it? You know an awful lot about our culture. Were you undercover there, once upon a time?”

“I certainly could have been, but I think it was my evil twin.”

Shorty spoke up. “Boss, this stuff is all good. He came to do business, this time.”

I asked, “How much?”

“Well, you have been lowering the value of the nuts, by spreading them around, and this is better quality merchandise, how about four pallets?”

“I gave you two pallets, last time, and you hauled a load of prisoners home for me. This stuff is better, but not that much better. A pallet and a half, I think.”

“You are giving away walnuts for door prizes. I won’t make as much on this load. Three pallets.”

“Two pallets, just because I like you.”

“Two and a half, and that’s as low as I can go.” I shook his hand, before he changed his mind. Scotti must have been listening, because suddenly the bay was full of cargo bots, some bringing Captain Dressi his two and a half pallets. The Captain said, “Things get done in a hurry, around here.”

“They know I’m going to take some shore leave as soon as we get done here. They just want to get rid of me.”

Captain Dressi laughed. “I might believe you, if I hadn’t seen how loyal they are to you. My crew is family, and I don’t think they are as loyal as yours.”

“I think maybe you give me too much credit, but they are a good crew.”

The bots got him loaded, and he said, “Once again, it is a pleasure doing business with you. If you embarrassed the Navy as badly as it sounds like you did, I better be on my way, before they come back.” I shook his hand again, and said, “I look forward to seeing you again. Maybe someday, we won’t have to sneak around.” He climbed aboard his ship and took off. Tikki came up to me and said, “Boss, we made a haul. We can copy a lot of technology from what you traded for.”

I replied, “I hope he feels the same way, Tikki, so we can keep doing business with him. Is Ozzie’s Toy ready to fly?”

“Always, Boss.”

“I better get home, then. I’m sure I should have gone there before all this.” I headed up to launch bay two. In the transit, I called Topper. “Topper, your ship till I get back from the planet. I’m going to go see my lovely wife.”

“My ship, yes, Boss. Any instructions?”

“If the Squirrels return, keep the system safe for as long as you can manage. I’ll try to come and help you. If anything confuses you, do not hesitate to call.”

“Good enough. Thanks, Boss.”

“Fly safe, Topper.”

“You too, Boss.” I got to the launch bay, expecting to get to fly by myself. I climbed aboard, to be greeted by Niner-Deuce, Abe, and two other old, small Marines I didn’t recognize. I said, “I’m guessing Ace is up front, and I might as well sit my heinie down, and enjoy the ride.”

Niner-Deuce spoke up. “You catch on quick, for an organic, Boss.”

“Thanks, I think.” I sat down, and I felt the ship lift. It wasn’t long before I felt it settle again. I stood and walked off the ship. I had kind of expected Nikki to be waiting, but on the other hand, I hadn’t called ahead, so I didn’t think much of it. I went on in the house, calling, “Honey, I’m home.” From the other room, I heard Nikki’s best Ricky Ricardo imitation. “Bob-bee, you got some ‘splaining to do!”

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