The Dig by Alan Dean; Clark & Sean Foster

Author:Alan Dean; Clark & Sean Foster [Foster, Alan Dean]
Format: epub
Tags: Science fiction, Fiction, Fantasy
ISBN: 9780552144902
Publisher: Warner
Published: 2010-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

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."

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 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.

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