“I greet you, Friend-Fagin, and wish you well with all respect. And now that that’s over, and before you say even a word, the answer is no.”

The crystals tinkled softly. “Jacob! You are so young and yet so perspicacious! I admire your insight and ability to divine my purpose in calling you I”

Jacob shook his head.

“Neither flattery nor thickly veiled sarcasm, Fagin; I insist on speaking colloquial English with you because it’s the only way I have a chance of avoiding getting screwed whenever I deal with you. And you know very well what I’m talking about!”

The alien shook, giving a parody of a shrug.

“Ah, Jacob, I must bow to your will and use the highly esteemed honesty of which your species should be so proud. It is true that there is a slight favor for which I had the temerity to ask. But now that you have given me your answer… based no doubt on certain past unpleasant occurrences, most of which nevertheless turned out for the best… I shall simply drop the subject.

“Would it be possible to inquire how your work with the proud Client species ‘porpoise’ proceeds?”

“Uh, yes, the work is going very well. We had a breakthrough today.”

“That is excellent, I am certain that it could not have happened without your intervention. I heard that your work there was indispensable!”

Jacob shook his head to clear it. Somehow Fagin had taken the initiative again.

“Well, it’s true I was able to help out early on with the Water-Sphinx problem, but since then my part hasn’t been all that special. Hell, anyone could have done what I’ve been doing here lately.”

“Oh, that is something that I find very hard to believe!” Jacob frowned. Unfortunately it was true. And from now on the work here at the Center for Uplift would be even more routine.