The voice came from the single occupant of a nearby table. The man stood abruptly as he spoke and continued to speak as he approached their table. “I told him I didn"t want no part of this here, but that slick-tongued snake talked me into it anyway. To lend perspective, he says, loyalty to Earthmen, he says. I don"t recollect exactly how he convinced me, but he did. I said I"d help and here I am, but I don"t like it. He must think I"m some kind of Boy Scout or somethin".”
He plumped down on the bench at the end of the table and looked around the circle of surprised faces. “Well, what are you all starin" at?” he demanded.
Riley recovered first. “Captain Riley Stuart, at your service. And who might you be?”
The man looked at him. “Captain?” he asked dubiously.
Riley smiled. “Most recentl
