Chapter 2p3 – How Much?

One of the teamsters heard the sound of money being exchanged and came hustling over. "We're nearly done, Mr. Bolter. While you've got your PAI out, why don't we settle up?"

"Overard is supposed to pay you," said Tic.

"That's not what we were told."

"Fine. Whatever. But I want a receipt so I can make sure he pays me back. How much?"

"It's a 50-litre base price, plus 25 for the hoverlift rental and a 4-litre fuel surcharge. With tax, 85.32."

"Urgh, what a rip-off." Tic started to set up the transaction on his PAI. To Milly, he said, "You can bring your stuff into the ship through the side door. Pelly—that's the ship's AI—will show you your quarters. And if she gets annoying, just tell her I'm out here selling her to a Cardaskian. That should shut her up."

"Okay." Milly hiked her backpack up on her shoulders and stepped past the teamster.

The teamster's PAI chimed.

"What was that?" said Tic. "I haven't hit Send yet."

"Uh…" said the teamster. "Late payment for a different job."

Milly popped up at his elbow. "Hey, you just got 85.32. Isn't that how much you're charging Mr. Bolter?"

The teamster tried to hide the screen. "Stay out of it, kid!"

Tic snatched the device and checked the notification. "This payment came from Overard. What are you trying to pull?"

"Er, administrative mix-up." The teamster wrestled his PAI back. "Our mistake." He stomped off to rejoin his team.

"Hey, thanks," said Tic to Milly.

She smiled sweetly. "You're welcome."

Now Tic didn't even have to see her hair: if she was capable of pulling a stunt like that, it had to be red.

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