Chapter Three: Seven Hunters

“Ten minutes of your freedom costs three credits because you no longer belong to yourself. You are not taking my computer on Queen’s order. The platform wants its defective account removed.” The veins stood out on Han’s hand, but he did not deny it. “I severed the causality that doomed a patent,” Lu continued. “I can sever your daughter’s chain. Give me ten minutes.” “Why should I trust you?” “You don’t have to. Sell me your freedom of action. Three credits enter your account. If I fail, ten minutes from now you can break both my hands.” The aircraft lurched sideways. Han caught a seat to keep from falling. He looked toward economy. A twelve-year-old girl named Tang Guo sat there wearing an oxygen mask, a puzzle cube in her lap.