Old Mars

Of course I’m sure, came the reply. Not everyone requires speech to communicate, you know. Some of us evolved beyond that eons ago.

Then why were you living in a swamp when we met? asked Scorpio with that unique, not quite humorless, smile of his.

Why are you in a bar with criminals and reprobates from all over the solar system? I went to the swamp where the food was, and you go where the money is so you can buy the food, an extra step my race has no use for.

Scorpio stared down at the creature. So why do you hang around with such a primitive being as me?

You’re the deadliest being I have ever encountered, came the answer. There’s always the chance of fresh food when I’m with you.

Scorpio watched the Martian approach. Okay, you’re the telepath. What does he want?

He’s come a long way. I’ll let him tell you.

Why bother? I’m just going to send him packing.

I don’t think so, replied the creature.

Then the Martian reached the table and stood there, staring uneasily at Scorpio.

“You are the Scorpion?” he asked hesitantly.

Scorpio nodded. Then he remembered that most Martians didn’t know that nodding was an affirmative. “Some people call me that, yes.”

“May I … May I sit down?” asked the Martian, indicating an empty chair opposite Scorpio.

“Go ahead.”

The Martian took a step toward the chair, then realized that he would have to pass very close to the blue creature. He froze and just stared at it, afraid to move.

“It’s all right,” said Scorpio when he realized that the Martian might well stand there motionless all night. “His name’s Merlin. He’s my pet.”

Your pet?

Why tell anyone what you really are? It works to our advantage to have them think you’re a dumb animal.

I may just bite your leg off.

“I have never seen anything like him,” said the Martian timidly.

“Not many people have,” replied Scorpio, as the Martian carefully walked around Merlin and seated himself. “What can I do for you?”

“I have been told that you are the one being best suited for the work I am preparing to do,” said the Martian.

Who does he want killed, I wonder? said Merlin wordlessly.

You could tell me right now.

Me? I’m just a dumb animal.

“Just what kind of work do you have in mind?” asked Scorpio.

“Perhaps I should properly introduce myself first.”

Scorpio shrugged. “Whatever makes you happy.”

“My name is Quedipai, and I spent more than a century as a professor of ancient history at the university in Baratora, which you know as New Brussels.”

“Okay, so you taught history and you’re not a kid anymore,” said Scorpio. “What has this got to do with me?”

Quedipai leaned forward and lowered his voice. “I believe that I have discovered the location of the lost Tomb of the Martian Kings.”

Scorpio snorted contemptuously. “Sure you have.”

“But I have!”

“On my world, it’s King Solomon’s Mines. On Venus, it’s the Temple of the Forgotten Angel. On Mercury, it’s the Darkside Palace. And on Mars, it’s the Tomb of the Martian Kings.”

“There have been two attempts on my life already,” said Quedipai. “I need protection. More than that. I am an academic. I need someone who is aware of all the hazards I will encounter in the wildest section of the western dead sea bottom, and who can avoid or neutralize the worst of it.”

“I wish you luck,” said Scorpio.

“You will not accompany me?”

“Not interested.”

“You have not heard my offer yet.”

“I’ve been to the western sea bottom. It’s called Balthial, and whoever told you it was dangerous understated the case,” said Scorpio. “I’m happy right here.”

“Will you at least let me name a price?” said Quedipai.

“Buy me another whiskey and you can talk your head off.”

“What kind?” asked the Martian, getting to his feet.

Scorpio held his empty glass up and studied it. “I’m tired of this stuff. I’ll have a glass of that bluish joyjoice they brew in Luna City.”

The Martian went to the bar and returned with a glass, which he set down carefully on the table in front of Scorpio, then took his seat.

“It’s smoking,” he noted.

“It’s old enough,” replied Scorpio, lifting the glass and taking a swallow.