Land
of the Giants: A Love Story
By
JR Thomas
“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” William Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Chapter One: A Big
“Come on boy. Come on
Chipper.” The shaggy little dog ran up to Captain Steve Burton who waited
patiently while jogging in place. The dog panted heavily, obviously
winded. He picked Chipper up and
cradled him in his arms.
Steve took in the wondrous sights as he continued his workout. It was a beautiful morning. Rays of sunlight broke through the trees that towered nearly a thousand feet above him. The air was cool and crisp, but not at all unpleasant. Presently Steve came upon a row of beautiful wild flowers, and was so taken with them that he stopped to take a closer look. Putting Chipper down, he walked up to the flowers jutting out of the ground for nearly ten feet. The violet petals radiating out from the stems were gorgeous, and the sweet smell emanating from them filled his nostrils. He took in a deep breath. It was now spring on the giant world, and the forest was teaming with all kinds of huge, exotic plant life. Steve reflected on how one of these flowers would make a really nice present to some woman back on Earth, though he might have trouble getting it through her front door. The thought brought a grin to his face.
A gorgeous monarch butterfly with a wingspan of nearly seven feet fluttered by. It stopped in mid-air regarding the tiny Earthman, then flew out of sight. Although there were many dangers to Steve and his fellow Spindrift passengers and crew, marooned as they were on this giant world, there were also many wondrous and miraculous things too. Steve reflected on how after being stranded on this strange planet for nearly three years that he was almost growing accustomed to it, though the operative word was ‘almost’.
Captain Burton spied a boulder next to one of the flowers. Actually, it was a pebble, and although no more than an ounce or two to the giants of this world, to Steve it was forty pounds of dead weight. It gave him an idea for his workout. He walked over to the pebble, and bending his knees lowered himself to pick it up. Taking a deep breath, he heaved his body up with the pebble in his arms. The weight of it caused Steve’s ample biceps to flex through his t-shirt. He started walking with the pebble in the general direction of the Spindrift.
“Bark! Bark!” He’d almost forgotten Chipper, and he turned around to see the dog regarding him with his big sad eyes.
“Here doggy, let’s go!” Chipper ran up beside Steve as he resumed his walk. With Chipper in tow, he lugged the pebble for a quarter mile back to the Spindrift.
 |
In about ten minutes Steve arrived at the forest glen where their camp was situated. He could make out the low, wide ship which they had camouflaged as best they could with giant twigs and leaves in an attempt to hide the tell-tale bright red paint on the ship’s hull. They had also created two annexes, as it were, on the starboard door side of the ship. The area slightly forward consisted of a makeshift overhang covering a meal table surrounded by thimbles which they used for chairs, and the other towards the rear of the craft was a large lean-to that served as a second sleeping area.
Barry Lockridge was the first to take note of their approach, and he called to his dog. “Here boy, here Chipper!” The dog darted from the captain’s side, and running a short distance jumped up into the arms of his master and licked his face excitedly.
A moment later Steve arrived at the boy’s side. Off to the right he could see Copilot Dan Erickson and Stewardess Betty Hamilton sitting at the meal table, holding hands and engaged in conversation. They noticed Steve and waved to him, and he responded with a nod. Of course they were now Mr. and Mrs. Dan Erickson, having been married by Steve as the ship’s captain a little over a month ago. Dan and Betty had known each other for a long time before the mishap which had left the Spindrift marooned on the giant world, and after three years it came as no surprise to anyone when they had asked the captain to marry them. In any event, Steve thought it had been a good idea as it helped them preserve some semblance of civilization on this at times difficult and alien world.
Steve patted Barry on the back. “Good Morning Barry. Where are the others?”
The teenage boy put the still-excited dog on the ground, and then looked up at the captain. “Mr. Fitzhugh is in the radio room, and Mr. Wilson and Ms. Scott are in the lean-to.
“Thanks Barry.” The captain smiled and started walking in the direction of the lean-to. He saw the boy withdraw into the Spindrift with Chipper trailing behind.
Steve had intended to talk to Mark Wilson about their next foraging expedition, but thought better of it when he reached the shelter entrance. He could see Mark sitting on one of the beds with Valerie perched in his lap. They were kissing passionately while Marks free hand slowly made its way up Valerie’s thigh. He shook his head and turned around. Walking a few steps, he paused to ruminate on the situation. With the only two eligible females of the Spindrift crew now taken, he seemed to be the odd man out. Steve tried to comfort himself with the thought that this was the price he paid for being the leader, but it didn’t help much.
All at once an excited Barry broke Steve’s reverie. “Captain Burton! Mr. Erickson! Mr. Wilson! Come quick!”
Steve stepped up to the boy standing in the doorway of the Spindrift. “What’s going on Barry?”
By now Dan and Betty had come up from the meal table, and Mark and Valerie shortly followed from the lean-to. No one seemed to notice the latter couple straightening their clothes and hair as they approached the others.
After a moment the boy answered. “Mr. Fitzhugh says that there is an important radio broadcast on right now that we should hear.”
Dan Erickson queried Barry further. “What’s it about Barry?”
The boy’s eyes grew wide. “The little people………us!”
********************************
All seven of the Spindrift passengers and crew were crammed into the radio room listening to the broadcast that Fitzhugh had stumbled upon by accident. There was no other sound except for the light panting of the dog Chipper cradled in Barry’s arms.
A very distinguished sounding man’s voice could be heard through the speaker system: “………..and I think we are long overdue to change our government’s Draconian policies regarding the little people.”
Valerie’s big blue eyes lit up. “Well, that’s a step in the right direction.”
The man continued. “It has done nothing but create an artificial panic among the people of Brobdinia, and I might add has given the more totalitarian elements in government and industry an excuse to attempt to turn our society into a police state.”
A very familiar woman’s voice responded. “Well Archon Obek, these are some very serious accusations. What does the High Council have to say about this?”
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Dan had been leaning against the back wall, and got up and moved closer to Steve. “Why that’s Bertha Frye!” he exclaimed. Steve nodded his agreement. Indeed, Dan and Steve had met the lovely giant journalist Bertha Frye last year, albeit under adverse circumstances during the ‘Deadly Dart’ affair.
“Sssssh…….Sssssh.” The portly Alexander Fitzhugh sitting at the console motioned to the others to quiet down.
“…..and the Liberal Party currently has a majority of seats in the High Council, and they are tacitly in favor of a rapprochement with the little people. They realize as I do that with their advanced technology that we have much to gain from the exchange of goodwill with the men and women of Earth.”
“Amen, good preaching”, Mark added.
Miss Frye commented: “Well Archon, I must confess that I initially had believed the anti-little people propaganda spread by Archon Bolgar and Inspector Kobick, but learned in the aftermath of last year’s ‘Deadly Dart’ incident that the evidence just didn’t support the wild accusations.” She continued. “Archon Obek, speaking of the ‘Deadly Dart’; what was the name of that handsome little man in the red uniform?”
The others looked at Steve and smiled. He blushed.
“Well Captain, it seems you have a big admirer”, Fitzhugh added.
Steve gave the portly ex-con artist a stern look. “Put a sock in it Fitzhugh!”
Betty swallowed and grinned, and then facing the others put a finger to her mouth and pointed at the radio console.
Archon Obek responded. “Ah yes, you must be talking about Captain Steve Burton. We believe he is the leader of the little people, or at least as close as there is to such a thing on Brobdinia.”
Bertha Frye presently wrapped up the interview. “Well Archon Obek, I’m afraid we’re almost out of time. Is there anything else you’d like to add before we close?”
“Yes Miss Frye, there is. We’ve played this cat and mouse game with the little people for far too long. I would like to propose that we open formal trade negotiations with the Earthmen, to the benefit of our two peoples. In any case, my office will be making an active effort over the coming weeks to make contact with them.”
There was a pause, and then Bertha Frye closed. “Archon Obek, thank you very much for taking time out from your busy schedule to talk with us today.”
“The pleasure was mine Miss Frye”, Obek graciously responded.
“Well ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us today. My guest has been Archon Obek, and the topic has been the opening of negotiations with the little people. From the WGTS studios, this is Bertha Frye of the Now Generation, until next week.”
Captain Burton reached over and turned off the radio, and then addressed the others. “OK, so what does everyone think?”
Mark Wilson was the first to speak up. “Steve, I think this is a great opportunity. We give them some of our technology in exchange for food, supplies, and help repairing the ship. It could be our ticket home.”
Dan Erickson offered a counterpoint. “Mark, although I’d like to think that this Archon Obek is on the level, I say the same thing now that I said two year’s ago when we got into that deal with Doctor Franzen. How do we know that we can really trust the giants?”
The Captain looked at Dan, then back at Mark. “That’s actually a very good point. As you may recall, that deal where we helped Franzen fix his guidance system nearly ended in disaster.”
Fitzhugh’s face lit up. “But Captain Burton, Doctor Franzen did not have the backing of the giants’ High Council.” He paused, and the others eyed him closely. “Didn’t you hear Archon Obek? He now has their support!”
Mark Wilson crossed his arms. “My point exactly captain.”
Steve leaned on the cabin wall and responded. “But do we know that for certain? And besides, suppose they do support Obek? They’re politicians, and they can easily change their minds.”
As usual Mark Wilson had become the opposition leader, and he replied with another rebuttal. “Look Steve, be that as it may, I honestly believe that the circumstances have changed since our abortive dealings with the giants’ Space Agency. I think the risks now are far less than they were at that time.”
Captain Burton stepped close to Mark and put his hands on his hips. “Are they? Are you sure Mark? Are you willing to take that risk?”
The usually outspoken Valerie Scott had been quiet, but now stepped up in support of her lover. “Steve. How many times must I say it?” Her voice slowly rose to a crescendo as she spoke. “I am sick and tired of running around like mice and living this ridiculous life in this insane giants’ world! I want a bath with soap and warm water, I want new clothes, and I want real food!”
“Here, here!” Fitzhugh predictably responded at the mention of food.
The Captain looked at his stewardess, Betty Erickson, nee Betty Hamilton. “Betty, what do you think?”
Betty nervously fidgeted with her shoulder-length blonde hair. “Captain Burton, although I agree that this does sound promising, I think we’ve been in too many situations like this before where we first thought we had a sure thing, but then later things didn’t turn out as we expected. I think we should be cautious.”
Steve crossed his arms and looked at the others. OK everyone, it looks like we have an even split of opinion.” He turned to Barry. “Well Barry, I guess you’re the tie-breaker.”
The civilian engineer shook his head. “Come on Steve. Barry’s only a boy.” He turned to him and spoke softly. “No offense meant Barry.”
“None taken Mr. Wilson, but I am almost seventeen.”
Barry’s staunch supporter Alexander Fitzhugh spoke up in his support. “Yes, I think we should hear what Barry has to say.”
All eyes were on Barry Lockridge, still holding Chipper in his arms. He looked up at Steve. “Captain, I agree that it could be dangerous.” He paused, and then turned to Mark. “But I would like the chance to grow up with friends and in places my own size.” The boy lowered his head, displaying a sad, wistful look.
Mark, Valerie, and Fitzhugh smiled, and Mark was taken aback because he had not expected Barry to support him after his remark about being a boy. The engineer reached over and patted Barry on the shoulder.
Steve took in a deep breath and addressed the others. “Alright then, although I’m a little leery of the whole thing, I don’t think we should wait for Archon Obek to find us.”
Mark Wilson raised his eyebrow. “What do you mean captain?”
Steve glanced at Mark and then turned to his copilot. “Dan, let’s get the repelling gear. We have a phone call to make, and if we hurry we should be able to get to that warehouse at the edge of town in time to call Obek’s office before business hours are over.” Captain Burton and Dan Erickson filed out the radio room door.
********************************
Steve peered around the corner, then quickly withdrew his head and motioned to Dan just behind him to stay put. A giant security guard was around the corner, standing in place while lighting a cigarette. In a moment the guard resumed his rounds, and his huge combat boots looked very menacing to the two tiny Earthmen as he walked by. The floor shook beneath them as the giant guard passed within a few yards then headed up the hall. In a moment he was out of sight.
Steve looked at his watch.
It was
The two little men darted across the hall, and arriving at a giant door crawled under it. Peering underneath the door, Steve could see that the room was only dimly lit from the slowly receding sunlight coming through a solitary window on the opposite wall. They looked around to make sure no one was in the room, and then scurried across the floor to the desk where the phone was. Fortunately a phone line was coming from the wall just above the floor, so there was no need for them to use their safety pin grappling hooks. Steve jumped on to the phone line and started making his way up. He was shortly followed by Dan. While pulling himself to the top, Steve thought how the first time he’d had to repel a giant structure that it had been difficult even though he was a young man in reasonably good physical condition. Several years of this type of activity, however, had buffed up his arms to the point where his biceps were as well developed as any moderate body builder, and he repelled up and down giant furniture now with relative ease.
He reached the top, and swinging his legs in an arc threw himself over the ledge. Dan followed moments later, and after taking a second to catch their breaths the two men walked over to the giant phone. The green old-style rotary phone was about six feet wide and nine feet long, and topped with a receiver spanning nearly eight feet. Steve grabbed the underside of one end of the receiver, and Dan positioned himself at the other.
Steve looked at the copilot. “One, two, three, heave!”
Steve and Dan slowly and with difficulty raised the receiver, and they could hear the low hum of the phone line opening up. The receiver was heavy, and they struggled with it. They slowly made their way with the massive weight to the front of the phone, and lowered it down on its handle with the speakers facing up. They let go the last foot, and the receiver hit the desktop with a sharp thud.
They paused for a moment, and then Steve nodded to Dan. Dan walked over to the rotary wheel, and Steve crouched down next to the lower-end transmitting speaker. Steve always felt a bit odd talking into a phone speaker that was noticeably wider than his shoulders and nearly as tall as he when crouched down next to it. Steve smirked. Talking into a giant phone; another one of the many absurdities they had to experience almost daily in this absurd giant world, he thought.
Grabbing the zero finger hole with both hands, Dan with some difficulty moved it around nearly 360 degrees, and then let go. The rotary wheel clickity-clicked as it rewound itself, and in a moment they could hear the phone attempting to make a connection with the operator.
“Operator, may I help you?”
Steve took a breath, and then projected his voice as loudly as he could into the speaker. “Yes Miss, can you give me the number of Archon Obek’s office?”
“Just a minute”, the operator replied.
After about twenty seconds she returned. “Sir, the number is 867-530. Would you like me to dial it for you?”
“Could you Miss? Thank you.” Steve breathed a sigh of relief; as she just saved them the trouble of having to dial the entire number themselves, something that can be difficult at their small size.
In a moment they could hear a number being dialed, and after two rings someone answered the call. “Good Afternoon. Archon Obek’s office. Miss Noor speaking. How may I help you?” Steve thought that although the greeting was perfunctory, the woman seemed pleasant enough.
Steve talked into the speaker. “May I speak to Archon Obek please?”
“Can you speak up Sir? You sound rather faint. I think we must have a bad connection.”
Steve had momentarily forgotten his small size compared to the listener, and so raised his voice. “Yes Miss, may I speak to Archon Obek?”
“May I ask what it’s about Sir?”
Steve hesitated and looked at Dan. The copilot shrugged his shoulders.
“I need to speak to the Archon. It’s about the little people.” He paused for a moment. “I’m one of them.”
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There was silence for a moment at the other end, and then the woman responded with noticeable surprise in her voice. “You’re one of the little people?” She asked. “I thought your voice sounded rather faint at first. H’mmm.” There was silence again. “Tell me, I’ve never seen any of your kind before. How small are you?”
Steve hesitated, and surprised both her and Dan when he finally responded. “Well Miss Noor, I could probably stand comfortably in the palm of your hand.”
Dan gave Captain Burton a big grin, and they could hear the woman laughing lightly on the other end of the connection. Steve felt a little embarrassed, and was not at all sure why he had answered the giant secretary in that way? It must be her friendly, pleasant demeanor, he thought.
She responded after regaining her composure. “Well, little man, I just might like to take you up on that sometime.” They all chuckled at this. Of course no one could notice how Miss Noor’s reply prompted her to half-subconsciously slip off one of her high heels under her desk. Nice man, she thought. Sylvana smiled.
She responded, still showing some amusement in her voice. “Let me transfer you to the Archon. Just a minute”
A moment passed, and then an elderly-sounding gentleman answered the phone. “Archon Obek here. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?”
Steve straightened up. “This is Captain Steve Burton of the Earth Commercial Liner Spindrift.”
Steve’s name seemed to register with him. “Ah, Captain Burton. I’ve heard so much about you and your exploits on our fair world these past few years. This is indeed a pleasure.” He continued. “I frankly didn’t expect to hear from any of you so soon. I take it you heard my broadcast on Bertha Frye’s show?”
“Yes we did Archon.”
Obek paused. “And what did you think, Captain Burton?”
“Well Archon, let’s just say that we are guardedly optimistic, and we think the matter bears further discussion.”
“Indeed it does Captain. Indeed it does.” He cleared his throat. “I should admonish you, however, that this connection is not a secure line. It could be monitored by Inspector Kobick and the SID secret police.”
Steve and Mark looked at each other with wry grins. “Yes Archon, we are well-acquainted with Inspector Kobick.”
“So we are in agreement then Captain that we should continue this discussion in person?” he said rhetorically.
“What did you have in mind Archon?” Steve asked.
“How about a meeting at my estate in say, two days time?”
Captain Burton brushed his hand through his thick and wavy brown hair. “I would want to talk it over with the rest of my crew, but I think we can make a tentative agreement to a meeting.”
“Well, great then. It’s all settled.” After a moment Obek resumed. “Captain Burton, my estate is in the Beleriand district on the East side of town. Do you know where that is?”
Dan tapped on Steve’s shoulder. “Steve. That would be at least a four-day trip for us.” Steve nodded in agreement.
“Archon, at our small size, that would be a rather long and potentially dangerous journey. Can we rendezvous somewhere nearer the West side of town?”
“Why of course Captain. In fact, why don’t I send someone to pick you up at your ship?”
Steve responded with a little severity in his voice. “Not so fast Archon. We have a rule that no giants are ever to be brought to our ship.”
“I’m sorry Captain Burton. Of course you don’t yet know if you can trust me. I’ve got a better idea. I’ll have someone rendezvous with you at a place of your choosing and bring you to my estate. How does that sound?”
Steve hesitated for a second. “I think that would be acceptable.” He continued.
“Archon, are you familiar with
“Why yes Captain. Go on.”
“There’s a solitary
bench just off the path by the large pond in the park. Have someone meet me there at
The Archon cheerfully responded. “Agreed. An employee of mine will meet you at
Steve concluded the conversation. “I’ll be there. Goodbye.” The two Earthmen heard the connection break.
Steve stood up and looked at Dan Erickson. They picked up the receiver and laboriously placed it back on the phone.
So it begins, Steve thought.