The operator laughed nervously.
"That depends entirely on what you're offering."
I didn't particularly like that answer. He continued anyway.
"Some want money. Some want information. Some want power."
I sighed.
The operator seemed to notice my expression.
"Though if you ask me, sir..."
I looked toward him. He hesitated briefly before pointing toward one of the commander ships near the center of the formation.
"Commander Seven."
"Why?"
The operator's eye narrowed slightly.
"Because she's the only one crazy enough to make deals with strangers."
A crazy commander willing to deal with strangers was still better than twenty-two commanders who might refuse to even speak with me.
"Thank you."
The operator immediately nodded.
"You're welcome, sir."
