" Sí, Kusari Remains a closed book unless you have the correct keys to open her. Once you open her she's very bountyfull. Unless you bring something they don't have, they won't speak to you amigo. "
Ronaldo Nodded.
"Si, more planets. Have you heard of Nauru? Its a planet rich in Iridium wich we mine on a small scale. It has mucho ruins, order and zoner science teams reckon they have the same culture that build them.
Last time I talked to a Xenoarcheologist on Freeport 1 I heard Planet Sprague in omega 3 also had some small ruins. The place has been claimed by Bretonia though. Wich is odd. No large resource presences to mine and the ground is as Arrid as it is on most of Crete. "
A person with a helmet came walking down the first set of steps. In his hands were 2 more hard-hats.
" Ola Mi Commandante, I heard your limosine just drove onto the site. Please wear these in the pits. If you wish we could do a short walk-through before moving on to the workshops si?"
There used to be pictures here
once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
"Aliens in our backyard and so few realise it, incredible."
Brisbane accepted the hard hat with a word of thanks.
"It's not beyond the realm of the possible, though I suspect they are looking to colonise Sprague, being somewhat limited with the Gallics cutting of supply to Harris."
The trio began the decent into the pit, sounds of hammers and chisels echoed throughout the site.
"Extracting artefacts looks to be a time consuming job, is all the work this delicate?"
" Non senor, most is much easier. Wait a few moments. We can show you after this corner, si?"
The three followed their route through the pit passing by several workers with smaller diggers and what seemed to be stolen Robots doing some of the heavy labour.
They took a turn at a corner of the pit. A huge wheeldigger was around the corner. Grinding away the top layer.
" This is the main production way. The top layer holds lower quality pieces trapped in the dirt. Plenty to make up for the huge costs of this mining system though."
The Quarry manager took the trio further through the pit. Showcasing some of the more recent finding places. They then exited the pit and moved towards the storage depot and the workshops.
There used to be pictures here
once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
"Quite the operation, I noticed that you don't dump the minerals extracted along with the artefacts, highly efficient if I do say so myself.
Ronaldo tells me you employ master artisans at your workshop, he's shown me some of the best sculptures that Crete has to offer, one in particular caught my eye. A small sculpture of Aphaea watering crops I believe. I don't suppose you have a replica, preferably in marble, it was Aphaea?"
He looked to Ronaldo to make sure he'd asked for the right piece, a small nod confirmed it.
"Oh and a cigar case like my friend's here, if it's possible. Of course I'd be just as content with a tour of your workshops."
" Mucho master artisans work at our shops senor. I have no idea of what we currently have in store but I'm sure we have something to your liking."
The quarry manager looked at Ronaldo with a face as if he had a question.
" If we find a comparable replica and a cigar case, you can take them along home amigo. Showcase em, perhaps we're able to sell more of them through you, si. "
The trio continued their tour through the storage yard, warehouses and continued on through the workshops. In one of the shops a sculpture was working on a statue.
There used to be pictures here
once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
"Naturally, Aphaea would have a centrepiece all of her own and the cigar case would be well used. Prospective buyers are always demanding examples, I could not think of two finer pieces to demonstrate the superb Cretan workmanship."
Brisbane glanced at the sculptor who was making small refinements to an unseen piece.
"Are all your sculptors this detailed in their works or is this artisan working on something special?"
"The artist get freehand in what they wish to create. Up to a point. the general demand should be guiding them. Classical pieces are still in high demand. "
" Senor Carnicero here specialises in highly detailed sculptures. What were you looking for again? A statue of Aphea si? Please look around, I believe similar statues might be in the storage."
The Quarry manager looked at the artist who nodded at the remark of the Aphea statue. He opened a door to a storage area. Several rows of statues filled the room.
There used to be pictures here
once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
Brisbane peered into the storage room, hundreds of sculptures peered back. Countless figures of Cretan myth made of granite, quartz, marble and artefact filled the shelves. Brisbane marveled at the masterpieces for a moment, a small bull made of quartz caught his eye briefly, the way it shone give the impression that it could spring to life at any moment. Tenatively, he entered the room and began searching through the vast collection. Every so often he would pick up a piece to inspect, running his fingers over the details and examining the craftsmanship.
"Excellent, truly excellent...You and your fellow craftsmen have an astounding eye for detail Senor...Yes, there'll be no problems finding buyers for these."
Culture, glorious culture. Works of art. Masterpieces. This was true smuggling, no containers full drugs or crates of weapons. This was high class stuff, no wonder the Benitez had rolled out the red carpet, they wanted to test his status, see if he was the type to move these pieces to an upscale market. Things began falling into place, the tour of the villa, the dinner and the promptness of Franco's question.
"If possible I'd like a catalogue of your works, there could be a market for hologramatic versions. It's a small niche at the moment but it does allow for a wider market. Luxury yacht owners in particular."
Finally he took a marble replica of Aphaea, an exact copy of the one he'd seen in the villa. He softly ran his thumb over the figure's face and hair.
"Breathtaking...If I may, this is the piece I would like. Name your price."
" Its yours amigo, if you promise me you'll several of these pieces to your clients si? Is your ship on Hawaii big enough to fit it? If so, you can take it when you fly back. If not, we'll have to figure out a different arrangement. "
Ronaldo inspected the statue for any blemishes and nodded.
" Good choice amigo! FERNANDO! Get this thing sent to Myrthos. Pack it properly! Oh and make sure a couple of Holograpic versions of the catalogue are attached. The full one."
The quarry manager stepped into the room briskly after waiting outside for the two to make their pick.
" Si, mi commandante, it will be at the villa tomorrow."
There used to be pictures here
once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
"My freighter should be fine, the lower cargohold will have ample room for the piece. I installed a gyroscopic restraint for the singular purpose of moving sensative cargo, she'll arrive without so much as a scratch."
Brisbane stood aside as the statue was carted out of the room.
"I'm interested to see the range of smaller items you produce. The upper and middle class Libertonians are always seeking high quality trinkets, if we can cater to their demand."
