their much-improved budget couldn’t handle that sort of expense. It would compromise their ability to buy supplies and update the computers. And since Rick made his living with those computers, the updates had to come first. And improved security and engines came second, and the translation computer was far enough down on their wish list that Max didn’t think about it. Or he tried not to.
The door opened and a rush of humidity flooded the room. Xena turned around and put the weapon on Max’s equipment cart before lowering her head in respect. That turned her neck into a broken S-shape, and Max looked away as a cold shiver shot up his spine.
“I see you are seeking to improve your financial position through my credits again,” Carrington said. The gill slits on her neck quivered.
“I do provide the best weaponry out there. I assume you want the best.”
“I am very concerned about claiming the best of everything.”
Max had named her well when he’d called her Carrington. Her love for oversized hats and her desire to own nice things were the two constants he could count on from her. He found her much more relaxing to be around than Bundy. He understood Bundy and found him useful. Given that Bundy was making a ton of money acting as their representative, Bundy had started sucking up.
But there was something about Carrington that struck Max as human. Download her brain into Alexis Carrington's body, and she could’ve walked the streets of Denver, and no one would know the difference. It was nice to be around an alien that Max felt like he could predict.
For example, he had predicted Carrington would drop in on the sales call. Max hadn't asked for her, and theoretically, he was meeting with Xena to discuss arms and equipment. However, the second Rick had registered his program in Max’s name, Max knew that Carrington was going to make an appearance. And he could even predict what she was going to do.
“I enjoy being compensated for my work. But then, I think that's a universal sentiment. I don't know of anyone who likes to be underpaid.”
“I consent.” Carrington bent her neck downward, and Max avoided the sight of that unnatural curve. Still reminded him of a bird's broken neck. “I acknowledge you registered a copyright on a new program this morning.”
Bingo. That is exactly where Max had expected this conversation to go.
“I did,” he said in a mild tone. “That has been my main project for months. I work on arms and more physical projects when I need to take a break.”
“Even when you were carrying the Ugly offspring?” Carrington blinked at him.
“Even when I was pregnant with the Hidden offspring,” he corrected her.
Her gills quivered.
“Anyway, I am letting Bundy handle the auction on that program. I don’t know what the navigation program is worth.”
Carrington moved closer. “I have the ability to administrate the sale,” she said.
What a beautifully greedy bitch she was. Max loved it. Feeling almost as if he was back on Earth, he shook his head. “I have an agreement with Bundy. I won’t go back on my word to him.”
She stood straight, her neck lengthening. “Are you aware that only sentience that is capable of producing a protector can deeply understand honor? Other species only know words and rules and laws of honor.” She looked at Xena. Xena tilted her head to the side and turned so she showed the underside of her chin.
Max packed the weapons away. He doubted he could get Xena to purchase any body armor, not with Carrington making her play for the bigger prize. “That’s interesting. I imagine you have psychologists who spend their lives comparing the thought processes of different species. That would be an interesting career.” Max would’ve rather scooped out his own brain, but someone would find it fascinating. “I trust that you have honor because I believe you will not manufacture weapons without purchasing the rights even though Xena understands every alteration I have made.”
“I do,” Xena agreed. “I would not have thought of such changes, but seeing them, I understand the theory and function. I will pay you because you have brought value to these weapons and I will not dishonor value.”
“I appreciate that.” And Max did. It was good to know that Carrington’s crew didn’t plan to cheat him.
Carrington slid another inch closer, and Max was uncomfortable with her proximity. He suspected she was trying to buddy up to him to get the profits from