The Hand of Grethia: A Space Opera

by Guy Antibes

  ~

  A morning mist kept the full force of the sun from brightening up the farm. Jan and Merinnia walked out of the ship. Her initial excitement was gone and Jan’s anxiety was replaced by a melancholy that matched the weather, he knew both would not last long.

  They rode to the house. Jan found the power plant had broken down. He took some power cells from the house and started charging them in his ship, and then both of them attacked the house, cleaning up from the years it was a tomb. By afternoon, the house was nearly presentable. Jan repaired the power plant with stores in his ship and energy was restored. Fortunately, the cleaning equipment they found had survived over the years and they made full use of it. In the evening, Jan began the process of finding out who the inhabitants were.

  “They were the Wankles. They came to Gyron III about eight years before they died. The note in the bedroom says they all came down with the sickness after a picnic out in the forest. No clues how they caught it. Basically, the smaller ones died soonest. Vernin Wankle, the father, made his last entry just after his wife died. He didn’t expect to last through the night.” Jan looked at Merinnia. The pain Jan saw in her eyes last night had diminished.

  “What a sad tale.” Merinnia said. “Does he mention why he didn’t do anything?”

  “Yes. His generator failed about two months earlier. They liked the simple life so much that they never tried to go to get it fixed. He talked about they would have to walk for two-weeks to get to the next farm that he knew about. But he just never got around to it. Their vehicle had a bad power cell, so he couldn’t fetch medical help. They had farm animals, but he let them all go when he realized he wasn’t going to make it. Who knows where the animals are now.” Jan shook his head. “As much as I hate to say it, this is ideal for our story.”

  Merinnia nodded. “I had thought that today as well. I hate to use them so. When we succeed, I will return and make a proper final resting place for them. We will let them rest in a garden.”

  “Tomorrow, let’s do some farming and some background work to make this look like a working farm.” Jan took Merinnia’s hand and they walked back to the ship talking softly.

  The next day dawned more brightly. Purposefully, the pair donned work clothes and used the Wankle’s all-purpose machine to plow some fresh furrows. There was some seed that seemed to still be good in the barn that was sown. They tidied up the house on the outside. The day after, they had cleaned up most of the grounds. In the afternoon, Jan and Merinnia surveyed their work.

  “Well, at least we have the place looking like a working farm,” sighed Merinnia, wiping sweat from her brow. “I’ve never worked so hard. I feel like I’m doing it for the Wankles. What’s next?”

  “We have to leave a trail of you living at the house. We have old writing materials and old writing instruments. We’ve got their old records that can be modified to include you as Merinnia Wankle.”

  “I would be proud to carry the name for a while,” Merinnia said, casting a glance in the direction where the entire family was buried. “I can tell you that my fingerprints and sweat are all over this place now. I even know how to run the farm machine.”

  “Good. We could use another day out on the land, but then we will explore for a suitable site for our “discovery”.

  “Where will you look? Up there in the mountains?”

  “No. The other findings on this planet were in high valleys, just like this one. The computer picked this place because it met the profile of other finds. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a real site close to the farm. There are two or three possible places to check. One looks especially promising. The data we have on Gyron III plus the advanced surveying software I had for the Space Quest gives us an excellent chance of finding a site, if there is one nearby. If no one has been out here before, we should get lucky.”

  “And if we don’t find anything?”

  “I brought a few Grethian relics with us to create a cache. If you remember, Fosan and I spent some time picking through old relics before we left. Some of the stuff was brought from less “hot” areas on the old continent and scrubbed. We should leave some debris behind us that others can find to verify our story.” Jan explained. “If we are successful, that is certain to happen.

  “I’ve asked you before, but why must we be so elaborate?” Merinnia asked.

  “The people we will be dealing with are very powerful and have tremendous resources. We must not only have a plausible story, but proof besides. We need to stop their inquiries right here in this valley, so a nosy person won’t try tracing you back to Grethia. Let’s go back to the ship and figure out where our cache is going to be found.”

  ~

  A spring came out from below the rocks of one of the cliffs surrounding the valley. The spring formed a pool on a ledge, then wound its way down the rest of a slope and paralleled the hills past the Wankle’s valley and on down as it joined other streams to form a river that joined another river, then another which ran for a thousand miles to an ocean. Jan stood at the side of the pool.

  “If I didn’t know better, I would say we might have an ancient site here anyway. It looks like the computer was right. Let’s go back to the ship and make some measurements of the site from up in the air.”

  It’s just as pretty as Diltrant, but just a bit too hot and humid for my taste.” Merinnia said, dipping her bare feet in the pool. “Why don’t you get the ship and I will just lay here for a while.”

  Jan returned to the farm vehicle that had taken them to the site and went back to his ship thinking about Merinnia sitting there by the pool.

  Thirty minutes later, Jan landed the ship fifty meters on a suitable flat space away from the pool and approached Merinnia with some printouts in one hand and two shovels in the other.

  “See what I found!” Jan exclaimed as he woke up the slumbering princess. “The sensors found remains and determined how far down we have to dig. The density of the building materials that the ancients used is higher than that of the surrounding soil, so the survey instruments were able to give me some accurate pictures.” he thrust the pictures into the hands of his partner.

  “Why you can see wall outlines right beneath where we are standing!” Merinnia said, the haziness of sleep being supplanted by the excitement of discovery. Her eyes began to beam again. The tragedy of the Wankles was now behind her for the moment and the activities of the future filled her mind.

  “Here and here,” Jan pointed to a few other spots, “are probably some real relics. We will dig those up and see what we find. Most of the remnants have not been particularly worthwhile from these old outposts. What was left is what they didn’t want to take, but from what I can see and what the 202X indicates, this place hasn’t been disturbed before. Let’s go get the farm machine and begin to excavate.”

  ~~~

  Chapter 36

  The steady glint of the harsh metallic sunlight of Impollon made Jan squint his eyes, as he walked with Merinnia across the slim span connecting two very tall buildings. Merinnia stopped midway and looked down.

  “I just can’t get over the difference. Gyron III didn’t have tall buildings like this! You can’t imagine the impact on you until you are right here, looking down! There are probably enough people in these two buildings to replace the population of Grethia.” She said in wonder.

  Down below, ground vehicles mixed with pedestrians. Some of those pedestrians flew above those who walked. They were very small from one hundred stories up. Air cars pulled alongside the span and let passengers off at the level Jan and Merinnia were on. Merinnia took Jan’s hand with excitement lighting up her face, led him into the darkness of their destination. A large three-story lobby faced the pair as they entered facing a huge reception desk. Jan, towing Merinnia behind him, walked through the milling crowds. An attractive woman raised her head from the desk, and then took on an astonished expression.

  “Jan, what are you... I mean, rumors said you’ve been gone for over a year and
were probably killed on the Quest. Where have you been?” The outburst ceased as the lady’s eyes rested on Merinnia. An awkward silence ensued as the two women looked each other over.

  “This is my assistant, Merinnia Wankle.” interjected Jan. “Merinnia, this is Fianna, a very good friend of mine. I have come here to rent out offices for my new enterprise. I was hoping you would be here. I trust you are still in real estate.”

  “Of course,” a pause, “that’s why I am here doing my weekly duty behind this awful desk.”

  Merinnia looked at others surrounding the booth. They were all talking in the Commercial language that Jan used in speaking to Fianna. She silently thanked Jan for forcing her to learn it.

  “What are your requirements? Do you want offices in this building or elsewhere?” Fianna asked Jan while somehow looking at Merinnia.

  “I have some manufacturing requirements. If my idea succeeds, most of my work will be done off-world. So, I think a small plant in the industrial district. I will also need a small office suite, perhaps here somewhere with two apartments close by.”

  “That sounds interesting.” Fianna said coyly, now looking directly at Jan. “I can get you your corporate office and living quarters immediately. The manufacturing site will require a specialist. I’ll refer you to Riban mal Dantano. He knows the industrial sector better than anyone. I also trust him more than any of the other agents. You wouldn’t know it by looking at him, but he is the best.”

  “I am keeping an extremely low profile, Fianna.” Jan said seriously.

  “That is an even better reason for using Riban. He looks like a rogue, but if he is on your side, he is the most loyal person I know.” Fianna gave Jan a confident look.

  ~

  Two vehicles slid along tracks suspended thirty feet above the roofs below. Suddenly, they both rose from the track and descended down to a large block of buildings. Jan, and Merinnia came out of one and Riban mal Dantano, their new real estate agent emerged from the other into the full glare of the sun shining between the shadows of the tracks.

  “This should be just what you’re looking for plus a few interesting extras.” Riban mal Dantano said. “It is 15,000 square meters with one third lab space, one third manufacturing and one third office. In addition there is lower level of warehousing that is very, very secure. It also has an autoline spur that is discreetly placed on the bottom level.” He turned to Merinnia. “As you might not know, all city commercial travel is beneath the surface. It reduces noise, activity from the normal bustle and makes it easier to control the pollutants. The autoline is our fully automated transportation system.”

  Jan nodded and said, “Please, just show us the building... I’ve lived here all my life, remember? This is the tenth you’ve shown us today.” Merinnia and Jan stood wearily as Riban apologized and then the agent took out a device to unlock the entrance.

  The building was a bit older and seedier than the surrounding structures.

  “This is rather nice.” Merinnia said, rejuvenated by the cool interior and by the pleasantly furnished, sparkling lobby.

  The walls were covered with expensive paneling. The floor was paved with rich, polished stone. Taste was evident everywhere. The feeling was understated, but the materials seemed to be very expensive. Riban showed the offices to Jan and Merinnia. They were modest in size but well equipped with the latest in administrative devices.

  “In addition, everything is shielded,” Riban boasted as he led his charges down a corridor to the manufacturing area. Every surface was spotless and finished to exude understated opulence.

  Merinnia and Jan looked at one another and nodded. “By far the best you’ve shown us. In fact, it suits our needs very well. I don’t require a high profile for my business until I am ready, and the outside of this building will give the business the appearance I’m looking for. The sham is carefully done. This is obviously a first class establishment. Now what’s the story behind it?” Jan asked with a suspicious cast to his voice.

  “As you can see, this building has never been used since improved. I personally renovated the building for another client who had intended to use it, but the deal fell through half a year ago so I’ve been waiting for the right client. It is available for you immediately. I always save the best building for last. Let me show you something else that might interest you.” Riban let them out of the manufacturing level and down to the lower level.

  “Through here,” he motioned as he went to the hallway by the restrooms and into an alcove. He pushed a button built into the molding of the doorway. The whole wall slid aside to reveal another suite of offices and labs. “This is a secure, hidden area for, let us say, more sensitive activities.” Riban explained as he proudly led them through the space. “There are these offices. Through here,” he opened a door and led them in, “ are living quarters. Two bedrooms, a living room, the latest culinary unit. In the bathroom, there is even a new, compact autodoc. All of the amenities. My clients wanted a turnkey space with the understated elegance apparent throughout the entire building.” Along another corridor, Riban showed them a well-equipped industrial electro-mechanical lab facility of 5,000 square meters.

  “And finally,” Riban demonstrated to a now dumbstruck Jan, “your own private dock around the corner and separate from the warehouse. Just across the way, you will find a walking strip that will take you underground to a transit hub and on to any one of the better office and apartment buildings that Fianna can lease to you.”

  Jan looked at Riban, shaking his head. “You have quite a devious mind.” Riban began to protest, but Jan continued. “I say that with admiration. This concept is great, but the execution is even better. You said you designed this? Who helped you?”

  “Just the contractor, a relative of mine. He helped me choose materials, and had an acquaintance of his in another city draw parts of the plans up, ostensibly for different buildings. My client backed out before I finished. His business enterprise wasn’t quite legal and the authorities caught up with him before he took possession. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. The concept was too much of a challenge.” Riban said grinning to Jan. “I am happy to find someone who can, hopefully, use my creation.”

  Jan wanted to examine the secret offices again. He looked deep into Riban’s eyes while Merinnia did a little exploring on her own.Can I trust this man?Jan asked himself.I have so much to do that can’t be revealed yet. Merinnia can help me, but not to the extent that this man can. He can get things done, and done well. This building is a monument to his creativity and Fianna vouched for his trustworthiness. “Number one, I’ll take it. Number two, how would you like to work for me?” Jan said.

  “I don’t even know your business.” Riban replied, narrowing his eyes. “You don’t even know me.” A pause, “However, we can discuss this without your lady friend, perhaps over dinner. I could be persuaded for the right opportunity.”

  “First of all, Riban, Merinnia is my assistant. She is deeply connected with my original discovery of the technology. Her opinion on all phases of the operation is important. Second of all, we will discuss my situation now. Have a seat.” Riban sat. Merinnia returned and took a seat while Jan remained standing.

  “Merinnia and I discovered a new technology. You will recall that there have been many attempts at teleportation. None have been successful. While Merinnia and I were looking through some ruins on her family’s farm on Gyron III, we found two devices that I call portals.

  “Upon experimentation, I sent a jug, something I had in my room at the Imperial Hotel on Diyl, one of Gyron III’s regional capitals back to Merinnia’s farm.

  “Needless to say I was rather astounded. I flew back, picked up the second portal and decided I would do some reverse engineering and go into business. Merinnia, here, has no family left on Gyron III and has agreed to partner with me on the project, since the technology came from her world and near property her family held.

  “Together with my own funds, which are sufficient to s
tart, I can begin. This business has huge potential. I plan on making a major killing, then licensing the technology and make a further killing. I need someone who knows how to get things set up and help me train Merinnia. I also need someone who can keep all of this secret until the right time.” Jan looked at Riban.

  “Give me a demonstration and I am your man.” Riban’s teeth gleamed in his smile. “Teleportation could be very big. Very big! But I’ve got to see it to believe it.”

  “No doubt.” replied Jan. “Meet us here tomorrow morning and you’ll get your demonstration. I think we are ready to go. Merinnia?”

  Merinnia presented Jan with a dirty look as they walked out of the building. “He is going to be my teacher? I don’t know. I’m not sure I’m happy about having another partner.”

  ~

  The adjoining hotel room doors were open. The view out of the window was of the clouds and other buildings. The sun, just setting, threw a golden cast into the rooms. Merinnia had just entered Jan’s room. He was sitting down, reading the news over the holoscreen that took up a couple of square meters of his wall. “What are you doing? How could you hire such a sleazy man?” Merinnia said.

  “Easy, easy Merinnia. I can tell you didn’t like him. He is a bit fast. But I can tell you the man has much that we need. He also has tact and discretion. I tried to get him to tell me the name of the client he designed the building for. Even though the guy stiffed him, Riban still wouldn’t reveal who he was or what his intentions were for the building. It is the perfect building for our use. We can manufacture the electronics for the first batch of portals in secret, install the protective device and package it in the manufacturing area. We need someone who can be a front man for us and I think we need him to help us run our business. He also has other uses, if he’s up to it. It doesn’t mean I don’t need you. To do this right, we need a bit bigger team. Trust me on this. I know his type of person. Once you get to know him, I think your opinion will change.”