Robert Silverberg

“ It was a vast alien creature, stony and terrifying, whose head vanished in the fuzzy clouds far overhead.
Again came the booming noise: "I am Thaklaru!"
"I see why you needed an accomplice," Kiley said in a weak voice. "Something—someone of your size—"
"Yes. I could never venture into anything as tiny as one of your cities."
Kiley licked his lips nervously. "Well—here are the jewels. Let's—let's divide them!"
"One bit of business first," the alien's thunderous boom came. "You have served well—but you cannot live." ”

“ Kiley said thinly. "Don't stand here and gloat. I'd be free and out of here if that crazy alarm hadn't popped off."
The guard chuckled. "Relax and cool off, Kiley. You've got plenty of time to get used to your new home."
The door clanged shut. Kiley spat in the darkness as he heard the bolt slipping home—the unbreakable, foolproof bolt of the escape proof Alpheraz jail. And then—
How would you like to be free in five minutes? a voice asked. ”

“ A new thought entered Kiley's mind. "Say—what do you need these jewels for? Seems to me you could have anything you wanted, money no object—so why do you want to be rich?"
Rich? I do not want to be rich. The jewels are pretty, though—and I like beautiful things. I covet them for purely esthetic reasons.
"Okay with me," Kiley said. "I have more practical ends in mind."
It is understandable. Ah—you are approaching my home world now. Please prepare for deceleration.
An hour later, Kiley stood on the soil of Thaklaru's planet and looked around.
Welcome, the alien's voice said. ”