Respectfully mine

"Respectfully Mine" by Randall Garrett is a thrilling science fiction caper about Leland Hale, a cunning rogue who dances on the edge of the law in a future filled with space travel and interstellar police. Hale sets his sights on acquiring a legendary artwork by the famous R. Philipp Dachboden from a time capsule opening on the out-of-the-way planet of Apfahl, and he weaves a web of deceit involving Dr. Rudolf Mier, the museum director. As everyone anticipates the grand unveiling, Hale orchestrates an intricate plan to swap the capsules, culminating in a daring reveal of his tricks. Hale manages to slip away, leaving a mess for the authorities and politicians to deal with, proving that smarts and trickery can shake even the most powerful systems, exploring ideas about reputation and what lasts.