
Part 1
Kiley is a seasoned jewel thief who’s just pulled off a daring raid on a glittering stash hidden in a spaceship’s cargo hold. With the promise of a million stellors in his pocket, he revels in the thrill of outwitting spaceport officials and feeling an unprecedented surge of power. His confidence, however, is tempered by the presence of Thaklaru—a telepathic alien who whispers guidance directly into his mind, offering a partnership that could make any heist effortless.
When Kiley’s luck runs out and he lands in a high‑security Alpherazian jail, the alien’s voice reappears with a tempting proposition: share the alien’s instant‑hypnosis ability and become the galaxy’s perfect thief, splitting the loot fifty‑fifty. The offer is alluring, but Thaklaru’s first rule—never trust an accomplice—casts a shadow over their fragile alliance. As Kiley weighs his options, the tension between ambition and betrayal sets the stage for a high‑stakes game of wits among the stars.
Language
en
Duration
~12 minutes (11K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2021-05-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

b. 1935
A major voice in modern science fiction, this prolific writer helped shape the genre with work that ranges from fast-paced early stories to thoughtful, award-winning novels and novellas. Readers often return to his fiction for its big ideas, psychological depth, and sense of wonder.
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