The Special Dependency
Outside the clear window plate the last stretches of the earth’s atmosphere passed rapidly toward the rear of the craft as the sleek ship hurtled toward a pinpoint far away in space. Now past the discomforting pull of the earth’s gravity, Gron loosened his restraints and paused to entertain a reflective sense of gratification.
The mission had been more than successful. Pertinent data had been artfully gathered by Gron during his visit to the earth and never once had he been detected by the inhabitants of the strange planet. But Gron had achieved on mission directive that gave him an exuberance and outward sense of pride. Visions of congratulations and promotion moved through his thoughts as a general “pleased with myself” attitude engulfed him.
Grom remembered vividly that final briefing before the mission began – the cold emptiness of the briefing room, the uneasy feeling caused by the presence of so many of his superiors. They had gathered around him as Orn, the mission commander, reviewed the final directives.
“Gron, you know the importance of this mission to us of Horrid. While the inhabitants of the planet earth are not cognizant of our existence, we estimate that technological development on their part will very soon make us neighbors in space.”
“Being a peace-loving kind, Gron, we seek not to view the earthlings as a hostile acquaintance. Your data collection will serve as confirmation as to how receptive we may be to those of earth.”
“But remember, in the interest of self-preservation, we of Horrid have always seen fit to remain one step ahead of a prospective enemy. So you see, the most important portion of your task is to determine the special dependency, that is, the one chemical, the one mineral, the one whatever it is that the earthlings absolutely need for survival.”
“Knowledge of the Special Dependency is the first order of any probe mission and is primarily a defensive measure. We know that often the Special Dependency cannot be detected. However, you, Gron, must exert yourself to the utmost toward obtaining this information.”
With the weight of such an undertaking upon him, Gron had nervously squawked a thank you and goodbye to his superiors. But now he relaxed, secure with the knowledge he had gained from the earthlings. Not only had he detected the Special Dependency but had surreptitiously confiscated some of the same.
With childish glee, Gron pressed a button on the control console. There followed a slight hum as two panels on the main board to his front separated. Rising from an airtight, indestructible vault in the heart of the console was the little box containing his precious cargo. He didn’t touch the box at first but basked in the glory of a discovery that at the moment no one knew but Gron. This was the Special Dependency of the earthling. Around this substance Gron had tied the entire existence, the entire workings of the earth planet. He had seen earthlings joyful and content when they had it, and in absolute despair when they had none. He had seen empires that had been built by it and lives that crumbled because of it.
Yes, this was the Special Dependency. For this substance the earthling was born, bred and died. No quantity appeased them. It was a weapon, a tool, a weakness—and Gron had found it.
Slowly now Gron raised the lid of the box. He had an insatialble desire himself to see and feel the samples he had taken.
“Why,” he thought”, I’ll keep one sample for myself and no one will ever know.”
“After all,” he added self-righteously, “I am deserving of a souvenir.” as he deftly tucked a piece of currency into his suit lining. |