Solaris Rising (50 page)

The writer shuddered, but there really was no way out. He couldn’t bear to think what the TLS would say, and as for the
Guardian
… No! It couldn’t be allowed to happen. “I would be delighted to buy back the ‘Mutant Worms of Kranakin’,” he said faintly. “Did you have a price in mind?”

“Why my dear boy, that’s so generous of you. Think of a figure...”

“Yes?”

“Then go quantum on it.”