"Maybe he thinks hiring you will generate some publicity. You'll have to ask Mr. Rafael that," the general said. "But let me warn you, Captain, it's not the Legion policy to try to discourage clients from hiring us. Get my drift?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very well. As I said, your orders will be forthcoming. Another Legion company has been dispatched to take over your current assignment. You and your company are to leave for Lorelei as soon as they arrive. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir."

"All right. Enjoy your new assignment, Captain Jester. Blitzkrieg out."

Phule turned off the holo unit and sank into a chair.

"All right, Beeker," he said. "What's wrong with this picture?"

The butler pursed his lips thoughtfully.

"Well," he said, "aside from the obvious questions raised by your getting your assignment directly from General Blitzkrieg as opposed to Colonel Battleax, who is your immediate superior in the so-called chain of command, I guess my feelings could be summed up in one question: Why is this man smiling?"

The commander made little beckoning circles with his hand.

"Elaborate."

"It has been my distinct impression," the butler continued, "that the general holds you in something less than highest esteem. In fact, it would be safe to say that he would rather chew ground glass than give you the time of day, much less do you a favor. I therefore think it would be safe to assume that if he is taking the time to inform you personally of your new assignment, and is happy about doing it, the assignment is in all probability much less desirable than he is making it out to be."

"Check." Phule nodded. "A bit long-winded, perhaps, but dead on the money with my own assessment."

"You did ask me to elaborate, sir," Beeker said, a little stung by the "long-winded" accusation.

"The problem is," the commander continued as if his butler hadn't spoken, "how to find out what the trap is before we step in it."