The Space Spoon novel Chapter 28

Tejeda’s mission on Valeria seemed to be one of his easiest ones ever. Even more straightforward than selling ice to the desert chieftains of Larva 5. Convince a brilliant engineer to share his newest discovery. Tejeda should have known anything appearing to be that easy most definitely wasn’t.

On the rocky surface, the red-skinned natives gave the Nubilae a hard time throughout his stay. Their stubbornness and distrust in outsiders prolonged the period he needed to find the asset. Everyone responded with smiles on their faces as they lied. Tejeda transformed into a Valerian. Nothing changed. They didn’t trust strangers, even those of their own race.

After a week, Tejeda altered his strategy. He barged into a high-tech service and screamed from all the power of his lungs, "I need this repaired ASAP." He threw Carmen on the front desk.

"I am sorry, but I don’t know what that is," responded the Valerian at the reception.

“That’s why you are not the engineer and just a mouth boy. Summon someone who knows what this is.”

Several people came by, after each call the scared receptionist gave. Not a single one could say what Carmen was, what it could do, or if they could fix it.

"You should go to Hanga Odull," an elderly engineer said. "He's dealing with some strange things. If there's anyone on Valeria who knows what this is, he's your man. He lives on the opposite side of town, near the lake. A derelict home with a slanted roof. It's impossible to overlook." The elderly man laughed. "He claims that it is normal for an engineer's home to appear in this manner. A tailor dresses in shabby clothing. A shoemaker's shoes have holes in them. A doctor's lifestyle is unhealthy. So it's natural for an engineer to have a residence that's a shambles."

Tejeda found Hanga’s lair without problems. The description he received was more than accurate. The place reeked of a hazardous environment for every living being setting foot inside. Even if the shape of the house wasn't enough, the junk and scrap metal inside was enough to kill people. The piles of broken equipment, instruments, and shattered contraptions could break every bone in one’s body with an avalanche caused by a single touch.

“Come on, beauty, work.” Hanga tinkered at his latest masterpiece. “You can do it. Work for pappa.”

“What are you toiling on?” Tejeda asked from behind him.

Hanga's only reaction was a long sigh.

Tejeda leaned in closer and peered over the Valerian's shoulder. Hanga's hand held a small robot with two minuscule legs and two unfinished arms.

“Can you fix this?” Tejeda asked, showing him Carmen.

The engineer looked at her for a few seconds and shook his head. “Sorry. No one can bring back the dead.”

Tejeda wasn’t surprised. He had heard that line a few times before. At least, the man didn’t apologize for not knowing what she was.

“The Interplanetary Police is interested in your research for self-sufficient repair droids,” Tejeda continued. “If my presence here upsets you, I will take my leave the moment you hand those discoveries to me.”