Final Diagnosis by James White

Author:James White [White, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Medical, Space Opera, General, Science Fiction, Viruses, Fiction
ISBN: 9780812562682
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Published: 1998-05-27T23:00:00+00:00

"Is there a possibility that your investigation will pose a health risk," said Shech-Rar, "either to my base personnel or the native population? This was Etla the Sick, remember.

We succeeded in clearing it of all its ghastly diseases many years ago, and our ongoing cultural contact mission would not be helped if the people were given an unnecessary reminder of their past. Do not try to obscure your purpose with a screen of medical polysyllables, Doctor. Can you give me this assurance?”

"Yes," said Prilicla

Shech-Rar showed its teeth, whether in a smile or a scowl Hewlitt could not be sure, then said,

"A clear, single-syllable answer. Good. But when a vessel like Rhabwar arrives on a confidential mission that is neither important nor sensitive, that is curious and so am I. No matter, Doctor. What do you need from me?”

It took only a few minutes for Prilicla to detail its requirements, but it was obvious from Shech-Rar's voice when it spoke that suspicion had replaced its former impatience

"I was not assigned here until five years after these incidents took place," said the colonel, "so I have no direct responsibility in the matter. The flyer accident to the subject's parents,, which to my mind is the only incident worthy of attention, was fully investigated. The findings were that the cause was a combination of adverse weather conditions, a power system malfunction that affected the control linkages, and pilot error, the error being in not waiting until the storm had passed. You are file:///F|/rah/James%20White/Final%20Diagnosis.htm (136 of 266)

[7/1/03 1:38:07 AM]

Final Diagnosis.htm welcome to a copy of the report. But why is it that young people with long lives ahead of them take needless risks while the old ones, with much less time remaining, are so careful?”

The colonel made an untranslatable sound, as if irritated with itself for digressing into philosophy, and went on, "In spite of what you have told me, the arrival of Rhabwar and your team here is the true measure of the mission's importance.

However, if your investigation is likely to uncover any long-past act of negligence or other misbehavior on the part of any of my officers, I will not allow you to question them until I have satisfied myself that they have Corps legal representation before answering any charges. Is that understood, Doctor?”

The empath's fragile body and limbs trembled for a moment, as if it was sensing Shech-Rar's emotional radiation at extreme range; then it said, "I assure you, Colonel, it is not that kind of investigation. We require permission to ] explore the locality where the incidents took place and, if they are still on Etla, interview the beings concerned. We are interested in their recollections, nothing more, and will make allowances for any lapses of memory. The approximate timing of the event is known to us, but we will need your help in identifying the people concerned. At present we do not even know their names.”

"That information will be on my predecessor's file," said the colonel. "Wait.”

Rather than the

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