（外文电子版资料）TWOKch06.docVIP

SIX IT WAS SUPPOSED to be Vezzarns sleep period, but for the past two hours hed been sitting in his locked cabin on the Evening Bird, brooding. On this, the third shipday after their liftoff from Port Zergandol, Vezzarn had a number of things to brood about. Working as an undercover operator, for an employer known only as a colorless, quiet voice on a communicator, had its nervous moments; but over the years it had paid off for Vezzarn. There was a very nice sum of money tucked away under a code number in the Daals Bank in Zergandol, money which was all his. He hadnt liked various aspects of the Chaladoor assignment too well. Who would? But the bonus guaranteed him if he found what he was supposed to find on Captain Arons ship was fantastic. Hed risked hide and sanity in the Chaladoor for a fraction of that before.... Then, ten days before they were to take off, the colorless voice told him the assignment was canceled.… in part. Vezzarn was to forget what he had been set to find, forget it completely. But he still was to accompany Captain Aron through the Chaladoor, use the experience he had gained on his previous runs through the area to help see the Evening Bird arrive safely at Emris. And what would he get for it? Ill throw in a reasonable risk bonus, the communicator told him. Youre drawing risk pay from your skipper and your regular pay from me. Thats it. Dont be a pig, Vezzarn. Vezzarn had no wish to anger the voice. But straight risk money, even collected simultaneously from two employers, wasnt enough to make him want to buck the Chaladoor again. Not at his age. He mentioned the age factor, suggested a younger spacer with comparable experience but better reflexes might be of more value to Captain Aron on this trip. The voice said it didnt agree. It was all it needed to say. Remembering things it had tonelessly ordered done on other occasions, Vezzarn shuddered. If thats how you feel, sir, he said, Ill be on board. Thats sensible of you, Vezzarn, the commu