Phules Paradise

"We'll manage," the commander said. "However, in honor of the general and to celebrate the assignment, I'd like to propose a toast. I'm blatantly stealing it, but it somehow seems appropriate."

He raised his glass toward his colleagues.

"To honorable enemies and dishonorable friends!"

In a casino restaurant elsewhere on Lorelei, another discussion of a totally different nature was taking place.

"I've got to admit, Max," Laverna was saying, "you're taking this a lot better than I thought you would."

Maxine frowned. "Taking what?"

"You know ... having to back off from Willard Phule and his crew. I know it goes against the grain for you to throw in the towel."

"Don't be silly, Laverna." Max smiled. "We're far from done with young Mr. Phule. I thought you realized that."

Laverna cocked her head in surprise.

"You're going back on your word? I've never known you to do that, Max."

"Who said I was going back on my word?" the crime kingpin said. "All I promised was to abandon my efforts to gain control of the Fat Chance-a plan which, you'll recall, we had already all but given up on. Of course, you and I know that just because the Fat Chance is safe from me doesn't mean it's safe. What's more, as far as `safe' goes, I said nothing about leaving Mr. Phule and his force alone."

"That's true," Laverna admitted.

"It occurs to me that a lot of people saw that transmission today, when I effectively a

"You mean you think some of the other families might have seen it?"

"Or the Yakusa," Max acknowledged. "Remember, we both found the tale our fraudulent Jonesy told possible enough to take him seriously. As a matter of fact, just in case they missed it, I'm sending them a copy of the tape, along with a personal note. Even if they aren't interested in the Fat Chance, I'm sure they'll be fascinated by the news that someone was posing as their representative. I'm also making inquiries as to whether or not a certain bartender did indeed ever ride with the Outlaws Hover Cycle Club, and if he did, under what circumstances he left their company."

Laverna leaned back in her chair and stared at her employer.

"You're really pulling out the stops on this one, aren't you?"

"As you pointed out, Laverna, I don't like to lose. However, you seem to have missed completely the most dubious maneuver I've pulled. It's not surprising, really. Young Mr. Phule seems to have missed it as well."

"What was that?"

Maxine's eyes narrowed as she looked into the distance.

"Think for a moment, Laverna," she said. "If anyone, you would know about the disproportionate interest and suspicion the tax people level at casinos and their owners. Well, this afternoon's broadcast not only alerted our colleagues as to the opportunity now available at the Fat Chance, it also made some of our traditional adversaries aware that Mr. Phule is now among the ranks of casino owners ... and I don't think he's even begun to realize what's in store for him there."