A skilled jewel thief, Kiley, finds himself in a precarious situation after a failed burglary lands him in a high-security prison on Alpheraz VII. While incarcerated, he encounters Thaklaru, an alien with telepathic abilities who offers Kiley a partnership in crime. Thaklaru can project his mind to hypnotize others, allowing Kiley to steal without resistance. Intrigued by the prospect of wealth, Kiley agrees to the partnership, and Thaklaru orchestrates his escape from prison. Once free, Kiley enjoys a brief period of luxury on Alpheraz VII, using Thaklaru's powers to commit thefts with ease. Their biggest heist occurs at the Emperor's palace, where Kiley successfully pilfers the crown jewels. With a fortune in hand, Kiley prepares to meet Thaklaru on the alien's home planet, eager to see his partner and divide their spoils. Upon arrival, Kiley is struck by the alien landscape, filled with towering mountains and strange vegetation. He retrieves the stolen jewels and awaits Thaklaru's appearance. However, when the alien finally reveals himself, Kiley is horrified to discover that Thaklaru is a colossal creature, far beyond his expectations. The alien's immense size prevents him from navigating human environments, necessitating Kiley's assistance. As they prepare to divide the jewels, Thaklaru reveals his true intentions: Kiley must die to protect the alien's secret. The betrayal is swift and brutal, as Thaklaru's size and power render Kiley powerless. The story concludes with Kiley's tragic realization that he was never truly a partner but merely a tool for Thaklaru's ambitions. The narrative explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of greed, culminating in Kiley's demise at the hands of the very accomplice he thought he could rely on.
By Robert Silverberg · First published 1993 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure