[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
"The auguries were good for us as well before we stepped over," reminded a
cluster of aged thought-forms, "and see to what state we have been brought."
A hundred and twenty thousand neutral perceptions brought forth a conclusion.
"Progress has been demonstrated. Much remains to be done, and it is uncertain
if these creatures are up to the challenge, but we see reason for hope."
"Hope?" Two hundred thousand negative rejoinders coalesced simultaneously.
"This is nothing more than another diversion.More entertaining than most, but
Page 83
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
no more conclusive."
"Hopeful, yes!" shouted their opponents across the ether, which was as much as
a light-minute wide and as short as the length of the average peptide chain.
"Will you not concede the point?"
The argument continued unabated. As one of the only forms of viable recreation
left to them in the
Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
Nirvana in which they had been imprisoned, the Cocytans pursued it with vigor.
CHAPTER 12
Brink gave no sign of being awed by the remarkable undersea transportation
system. Low had learned that the scientist was not easily impressed. After
having already experienced the reality of interstellar travel, not to mention
resurrection from the dead, this was understandable.
As the sphere raced a second time down the dark tunnel, he kept a careful eye
on his companion, watching for any signs of abnormal behavior. So far, Brink
was the same old Brink. His skin hadn't begun to slough away, he wasn't
rolling his eyes madly, and if anything he seemed more composed than usual.
Maybe because he had just enjoyed, as he so tactfully put it, a nice nap.
The scientist was indeed impressed by the variety of devices on display in the
museum spire. He went from one to the other, lingering over some, passing
quickly by others.
When they had concluded their cursory inspection, they stood together framed
in the open portal that led outside, studying the alien sea and sky.
"What I would really like to find are some more of those green crystals."
Brink shielded his eyes, which were more light-sensitive than the Commander's,
from the sun. "Can you imagine their scientific and commercial worth? I
cannot. Such values are beyond me. And according to the display you say you
witnessed, they are capable of many other functions as well?"
Low nodded. "Some of them I couldn't even give a name to. Don't have the
necessary cultural referents."
"If they can bring back the deceased and heal a broken spine, perhaps they can
cure anything. Cancer, AIDS, Chagas' disease, malaria, dengue fever ...take
one crystal and call me in the morning."
"I don't know." They turned and walked back into the chamber. "I can't imagine
how it could analyze what was wrong with your alien system, recognize the
problem, fix it and then resurrect you."
"I cannot imagine traveling faster than light, either, but we did it." Brink
was thinking hard. "You say you placed it on my chest and it 'melted' into my
body?"
"That's the best description I can give you."
Brink nodded. "I wonder if it remains intact somehow inside me, or if its
substance has disintegrated and spread throughout my bloodstream, or perhaps
my entire cellular structure?"
"Wish I could help you, Ludger, but I'm running a little short on medical
imaging equipment at the moment."
Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
The scientist put a comradely arm around the other man's shoulders."Fortitude
and persistence, my friend. We will find the answers to these mysteries. For
example, have you not wondered if the curative effect is permanent, or only
temporary?"
Low started. "I hadn't gotten around to that one."
Brink grinned. "I assure you that it occurred to me soon after your
Page 84
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
explanation of what took place.
Therefore, if I should fall over dead in the middle of a sentence, you will
know the cause."
"I'd rather not consider that a possibility." Brink's sense of humor could be
quietly ghoulish. "Let's just assume it's permanent. Do you expect your spine
to rebreak?"
"It certainly seems unlikely, but we have no way of knowing. There may also be
side effects that have yet to manifest themselves."
"I'll keep a lookout." Low sought to change the subject. "If you start glowing
green, I'll let you know right away."
"I've always considered green one of the more attractive colors." The
scientist smiled.
Despite their best efforts they could locate no more of the crystals. In fact,
they found nothing of immediate usefulness. None of the alien devices
responded to their ministrations, either manual or verbal.
They did, however, find several more of the small robotic door-openers. These
followed them willingly back to the sphere. While they might do nothing for
the asteroid-ship, there were several large doorways within the central
chamber that remained closed.
"Watch."Back on the main island, Low had coaxed one of the devices over to
another arch. "When trapped between one of us and a door, they'll turn and
open it." He proceeded to crowd the robot.
It backed up against the section of wall next to the arch and stopped. Low
advanced until he was pressing against it with his legs. It ignored both
proximity and pressure with equanimity.
"Well?" Brink stood nearby, waiting.
Perplexed, Low backed up to give the robot some space. "I don't understand.
When I crowded the other one, it turned and opened the entrance leading to the
transportation chamber. The barrier just melted away."
The scientist inspected the solid wall beneath the arch. "Well, it does not
appear to be melting to me.
Perhaps we should try another portal?"
Following the curving wall, they reached a third arch, where Low repeated the
procedure that had been so successful earlier. When that failed, they returned
to the second and tried another of the little robots, the result was the same:
Nothing happened. When Low coaxed the original robot over to the second door,
it proved as passive as its newly discovered brethren.
"Do not be discouraged, Commander."
Swell,Low groused silently.
I'm being consoled by a dead man.
"Okay, I'm all out of bright ideas, Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter,
http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
Ludger.Your turn."
The scientist's gaze roved the chamber. "There are several much smaller
doorways. Perhaps one of these devices will open one of them?"
Low looked doubtful. "Why bother with the small doors?"
To his surprise, one of the newly acquired robots did indeed cause one of the
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]