Perhapsit was time to lay down the laser rifle and let the galaxy fend foritself. I had been incredibly fortunate in my life. For one thing,Iwas still alive. For the second thing, I took great pride in manyofmy missions because they were worthwhile.
Third,of course, is I had found Astrid who, due to reasons perhapsunexplainable, loved me. Every day was a joy with her.
Plus,we had money.
Sowith all those good things, perhaps it was time to quit. Don’ttempt fate anymore.
Ishook my head and went back to writing reports. No matter howsophisticated a civilization gets, the freaking governmentbureaucrats still demand reports. Which is a pain in the neck. Ididn’t have to write any for Belen – and even if I did shewouldn’t bother to read them – but I was also working for thegovernment and the
