Coup de Grace-Jack Vance short story
Coup de Grace - Jack Vance short story (author’s preferred title) AKA: Worlds of Origin Coup de Grace is a 17/21 page (7,400 words) short story published initially in February, 1958 in the magazine Super Science Fiction. It is also known by the title “Worlds of Origin.” Magnus Ridolph is relaxing on a private space station called the Hub which is visited by many beings from other planets. Magnus is approached by an anthropologist who recognizes him and tries to hire him because he is fearful someone is trying to kill him. Magnus, however, is on vacation and declines the job offer. The next morning the anthropologist is found dead and Magnus is asked by the owner of the space station if he will help investigate because no law enforcement authorities have jurisdiction over a private space station and he wants to see that the murder is brought to justice. Magnus feels he cannot decline the offer so begins to investigate. Because there are so many alien be...