When the call came, Overseer Caldon was in his quarters. The message was patched through to him despite his orders to hold all messages while he slept, which meant that it must be important. The crew knew better than to disobey him without good reason.

The minute he heard the caller’s voice, Caldon admitted that the crew’s actions had been correct. He would discipline them for disobeying him, of course, but the punishment for withholding this call would have been far worse.

“I have a commission for you,” his sponsor informed him.

“Of course, sir—I am at your disposal.”

“Sensors in Quadrant Ten-Fifteen, Space Nine-Beta have detected a ship. Its configuration is unknown, though it is large—nearly of a size with your own vessel. I wish to obtain it.”

Caldon’s mind was already considering the problem. “Have other ships been sighted in that area?”

“Not recently, but Federation ships have been known to pass through there.”

“Of course.” He stood, knowing his sponsor could not see the movement. “I will depart at once.” He hesitated—should he mention it, or wait for his sponsor to do so? The former could be considered presumptuous.

“Excellent.” After a brief pause, his sponsor spoke again. “You will, of course, be compensated at your usual rates, plus a bonus for a speedy resolution.”

Ah. He had been right to wait. “Thank you, sir.” The call ended, and Overseer Caldon headed toward the bridge, to inform his crew of their new mission. And to punish them for disturbing his rest.