Rebel Read Free

provided automatic transport for all.
    Cole had chosen Singapore Station as the headquarters for his rapidly growing fleet of ships the first time he set foot on it a year earlier. It was the one place on the Inner Frontier where he trusted the security, where he could replenish his supplies, and where he could make contact with those who might be interested in hiring the services of the Teddy R and its sister ships. Though David Copperfield still negotiated Cole's end of the contracts, he didn't have enough contacts to solicit sufficient work to keep Cole's small but growing navy busy— but there was one man who did, and that was the man who ran Singapore Station. Known as the Platinum Duke for his multitude of platinum prosthetics—not much of the original man remained on the exterior except his tongue, lips, and sexual organ—he had formed a partnership with Cole that had proved profitable to both parties.
    The Duke also owned a large casino known simply as Duke's Place, and it was the unofficial hangout of the Teddy R's crew. The Duke himself kept a large table at the back of the casino where Cole and his officers were always welcome, and where there was no tab for food or drink.
    Cole entered the casino and walked past the human and alien games to the Duke's table, accompanied by his Chief of Security, Sharon Blacksmith, and David Copperfield. Val had accompanied them as far as the entrance, but made a beeline for the gaming tables the moment she entered. The Duke's security system alerted him to their presence, and he emerged from his private office, looking far more robotic than human, to greet them as they reached the table.
    "I hear you took care of Machtel without firing a shot," said the Duke. "That's, what, three in a row?"
    "It makes more sense to assimilate the ships and crew than destroy them," said Cole, pulling a chair out for Sharon and then seating himself. A robot approached, and he ordered drinks for himself and Sharon. "You want anything, David?"
    "A bottle of Cygnian cognac," replied the dapper little alien.
    "Come on, David," said Cole. "Your metabolism can't handle our stimulants."
    "I know," replied Copperfield. "But I don't have to open it. I'll just let it sit here on the table in front of me for atmosphere."
    "Fine," said the Duke. "If you don't open it, I can sell it later."
    "You'll have to forgive him," said Cole. "He gets a little more obsessed every day. I can't believe he hasn't visited one of the whorehouses here."
    "David Copperfield would never frequent a brothel!" said the alien heatedly.
    "I stand corrected," said Cole.
    "How many of Machtel's ships and crew did you confiscate?" asked the Duke.
    "Eight ships, fifty-seven Men and aliens," answered Cole.
    "That's quite a fleet you're accumulating," said the Duke. "You're going to run out of challenges before too long."
    "We've faced challenges," replied Cole. "Trust me, they're overrated."
    "Besides, we can't go getting him shot up now that I've finally got him trained," said Sharon.
    "Decorum forbids me from asking what you'd got him trained to do," said the Duke, his human lips smiling in his platinum face. He looked over at the Valkyrie. "You'd think she'd stop by and say hello."
    "She will, after she's beaten your table or blown all her money," said Cole. "You know her."
    "I still wish she'd hire on right here. I never saw anyone who could spot a cheater quicker, and I've never seen the human or alien who could beat her in a fight."
    "She's quite remarkable," agreed Copperfield.
    "I need her right where she is," said Cole.
    "You wouldn't be happy with her anyway," added Sharon. "Wilson's the only person she'll listen to."
    "Why is that?" asked the Duke.
    "Because he's never wrong," said Copperfield. "Except when he disagrees with me."
    "Funny," added Sharon with a smile. "I was about to say the same thing."
    "Ah!" said the Duke, looking across the room. "I see Commander Jacovic has joined us."
    "He was a little late getting in,"