Mind Guest (49 page)

“You found amusement in something I said?” he inquired.

“You might say so.” I grinned. “Are you really that nervous about what my report will contain?”

“I hadn’t realized it was all that obvious,” he answered wryly.

“To be perfectly frank, I considered bringing Dameron up on charges when I learned what the impression had done to you. His carelessness could have caused a good deal more trouble than it did.”

“But it did work out, so there’s really nothing to complain about.” I shrugged. “My report will include everything that’s happened to me here, told as objectively as possible, with no hidden resentments.

Don’t forget, I accepted the assignment even though I didn’t have to.”

“That’s true,” he agreed. “But with an assignment of that sort, you shouldn’t have to contend with problems from your own people. If I were in your position, I don’t know if I could be as broad-minded as you.”

“I’m not broad-minded.” I smiled, then glanced at Val. “I simply feel that I’ve been repaid for any inconveniences I might have suffered.”

Val stirred in his lump chair with an annoyed look in his eyes, but I didn’t care if he was feeling like a joy boy. After the last couple of days, annoyance was the last thing he deserved.

“Your partnership may be even more useful than anyone at first imagined,” Phalsyn said with a grin when he saw my glance. “It’s occurred to me that if we exchange enough personnel, we may bypass most of the acceptance difficulties inherent in a situation like this one.”

The comment made us all laugh, but Val found it necessary to put in,

“That would take a lot of personnel. I don’t advise starting that project until my final report is in.”

I looked at the louse in annoyance, and Phalsyn chuckled.

“I’m glad to see that your partnership isn’t based on anything as foolish as romance,” he said. “I’ve always found venal self-interest to be much more reliable. Dameron is waiting for us in the lounge, and I suggest we join him. We have a new partnership to celebrate.”

“Celebrate,” I snorted, sending a withering glance toward Val before standing up and turning to the older man. “What’s your favorite potion, Phalsyn? If it isn’t striped, I’ll try it.”

“No, my favorite is definitely not striped,” Phalsyn answered in amusement and stood out of the chair to take my arm. We left the office companionably, and Val hesitated briefly before following us.

Maybe he was thinking about Nelixan – or dissection.

The party was long and friendly, and I made sure to get relaxed without getting looped. Val eventually relaxed too, but Dameron seemed too preoccupied to join in the general conversation and laughter. Phalsyn was nothing but charming and attentive, and that bothered me. I’d expected a few select questions about the Federation, yet he discussed nothing but trivialities. That means he had either gotten what he’d been after, or he knew I couldn’t give it to him. I wasn’t about to try guessing which, so I just enjoyed the party.

Just as I got the impression that Phalsyn was ready to make a suggestion, Val stepped in smoothly, remarked that we’d be leaving early the next day, and hustled me off to his room. Phalsyn had been amused by the action, but I was more annoyed. I started to tell Val off as soon as we were alone, but he didn’t let me get very far, and when he pulled me into his arms I lost all interest in arguing. We had a nice, warm time together, as a kind of farewell to the base; the next day I would be heading home to look up the slaver Radman – which was certain to prove interesting.