ORIDIN'S FORMULA
By R. R. WINTERBOTHAM
The formula was a simple equation, but
Caddo had to have it—for knowing its
answer meant he would rule the universe.
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Planet Stories March 1943.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
Oridin the Recluse listened to the threat wirelessed from the spaceshipthat was hoving to in a landing orbit about the planetoid Azair.
"I've a bead on your atmosphere plant," said the snarling voice. "Onefalse move and I'll blast it to star dust."
Oridin shrugged as he heard the words. One more fool had come to Azairlooking for the secret that the Recluse of the Asteroids was supposedto possess.
"Your threats are unnecessary, stranger," Oridin replied in themicrophone of his radio. "Everyone is welcome here as long as hebehaves. I have ways of dealing with those who don't."
"I'm warning you," came the voice again, "that I will stand for nofoolishness. I'll kill you if you try to resist."
Oridin smiled. "Land, stranger, you need not fear me."
The hermit arose and went to the galley of the warm little house thatseemed to grow from the solid rocks of the tiny planet. He pressed abutton, waited a second and then opened a small compartment. In the boxwas a steaming pot of coffee, freshly made by Oridin's automatic cook.
Outside the transparent shelter, the air grew blue from the reflectionof landing rockets. Oridin glanced to the leveled surface on which theship was coming to rest. He saw a turret training on the little house.Oridin was not afraid; the visitor probably would be interesting. Evena recluse can grow lonesome on a minor planet.
A figure emerged from the spaceship. He wore an oxygen helmet, althoughOridin plentifully supplied the planetoid with artificial atmospherefrom a small plant at the north pole. The stranger did not believe thatOridin would not resist. Again Oridin smiled. Deep in the rocks ofAzair were guns that could have blasted the visitor a thousand times,had Oridin wished. But there was nothing clever about blowing a foe topieces. The foe too often was killed before he sensed defeat. Oridinenjoyed an equal battle, or even one against odds.
"Open up," Caddo snarled, "or I'll blow my way in!"
"Open up! Open up, I tell you, or I'll burn my way in!" demanded thevisitor.
"He's certainly not deceiving me as to his intentions," Oridin decided.
The recluse pushed a button on the wall, and a giant gate swung outwardadmitting the stranger.
The fellow was as tall and as muscular as Oridin himself, but the spacesuit and the gaping blaster he held in his hand made the visitor seemmuch more formidable. Oridin himself was dressed in bell-bottomedslacks and a loosely fitting, slipover coat. His beard softened hiscountenance and made him seem quite gentle, except for a certainglitter in his eyes that seemed to warn that Oridin loved a contest.And this would seem to be a deadly contest.
Oridin bowed.
"You are welcome, stranger," he said. "Take off your helmet, for theair is pure. Put aside your gun, for I am unarmed and I do not intendto harm you."
The stranger hesitated, unc