Xinuh, Hacker Princess

in

The Eye of Fnordius

Envoi: The Milonian Arms, a seedy tavern in Paphos. Xinuh is alone at a table, nursing a glass of wine.  Word of the unsuccessful expedition has got round and the rest of the clientele are trying to look inconspicuous, hoping not to fall victim to the inevitable explosion. When the door opens, every eye goes to it, and faces pale as they see a tall figure in a sky blue robe.  There is a mass exodus as he strides confidently to Xinuh's table, and they are alone by the time he sits down and pushes back his hood to reveal - Joxsrap.

Joxrap: How do you like the outfit?

Xinuh: On you it looks good. Now, what did we get out of this experience?

Joxsrap: With most of the Temple guards chasing you to Corinth or lying in wait in the Palace of Dullos, I had no problems getting into the Sanctum of The One Microbial Way and abstracting a few revealing documents to send to the Delphic Oracle Judges.  If the DOJ fumbles it now, that's their fault; we've done our bit. [He passes over a clinking pouch]  Financially, we did quite well, too.  Huncules returned the Eye again and collected the reward; your split's in there.  Aiaressius got the credit for the theft again, so his rep is even higher, and he's agreed to give us a cut of the Sparta bank job for it as soon as his legs mend; I had to lean on him a bit.  Best of all, as I anticipated, the Fnordians finally got tired of the Eye going in and out like a yoyo, so Stalmaneus is now in charge of leasing it out and we'll get a regular share every month.  This will give me time to work on a few ideas I've got for increasing XinuHunk Enterprises' market share.

Xinuh: I've been talking to Huncules, and we agree that it's not right that you're the brains of the outfit, but you only get one third of the profits and no recognition.

Joxsrap [Smiling broadly]: That's very decent of you, but I get my fair share and a few fringe benefits, so I'm perfectly happy being a sleeping partner.

Xinuh [Smiling even more broadly]: Well in that case...  I'm happy with it too.

Finis
 

Back to my Home Page