[Aeolus Investigations 04] • Gambler

Yes, the Ostrieachians look like humanoid cats. No derogatory comments, please, they’ll rip you apart.

During the months since Lexi Stevens met her partners Ron and Geena, they have fought pirates, rescued people from pirates, and saved a civilization or two. Using what Geena describes as “Techno-Wizardry,” Lexi has extended the technology-base of the interstellar civilization called the Accord.

This time, following a reception on the eve of their friend Jis Boc Seckan’s coronation as ruler of the planet Ackalon, the Aeolus team is introduced to the two Ostrieachians ambassadors. The ambassadors hoped to borrow a fleet from one or more of the other Accord worlds to help with the pirate problem they can’t contain. Altruism isn’t a word in the vocabulary of the Accord. Jis strongly suggests the Ostrieachians hire Aeolus. One of the ambassadors, feeling insulted, asks, “What can three people do?”

Jis responds, “I would have phrased it somewhat differently. I would have asked, ‘Is there anything these three people cannot do?’”