James P Hogan. Inherit The Stars. Giant Series #1

the laboratory. “The prime power source for all the equipment and

heating has been identified, and is nuclear in nature. In addition,

there was a water recirculation plant, life-support system, standby

power and communications system, and oxygen liquefaction plant-all

in that!” He held up the casing of the stripped-down backpack for

them to see, then tossed it back on the bench. “Several other

devices were also included, but their purpose is still obscure.

Behind you, you will see some personal effects.”

The professor moved around to indicate an array of objects taken

from the body and arranged neatly on another bench like museum

exhibits.

“A pen-not dissimilar to a familiar pressurized ballpoint type; the

top may be rotated to change color.” He picked up a collection of

metallic strips that hinged into a casing, like the blades of a

pocketknife. “We suspect that these are keys of some kind because

they have magnetic codes written on their surfaces.”

To one side was a collection of what looked like crumpled pieces of

paper, some with groups of barely discernible symbols written in

places. Next to them were two pocket-size books, each about half an

inch thick.

“Assorted oddments,” Danchekker said, looking along the bench. “The

documents are made from a kind of plasticized fiber. Fragments of

print and handwriting are visible in places-quite unintelligible,

of course. The material has deteriorated severely and tends to

disintegrate at the slightest touch.” He nodded toward Hunt. “This

is another area where we hope to learn as much as we can with the

Trimagniscope before we risk anything else.” He pointed to the

remaining articles and listed them without further elaboration.

“Pen-size torch; some kind of pocket flamethrower, we think; knife;

pen-size electric pocket drill with a selection of bits in the

handle; food and drink containers-they connect via valves to the

tubes inside the lower part of the helmet;

pocket folder, like a wallet-too fragile to open; changes of

underclothes; articles for personal hygiene; odd pieces of metal,

purpose unknown. There were also a few electronic devices in the

pockets; they have been sent elsewhere along with the rest.”

The party halted on the way back to the door to gather around the

scarlet spacesuit, which had been reassembled on a life-size dummy

standing on a small plinth. At first sight the proportions of the

figure seemed to differ subtly from those of an average man, the

build being slightly on the stocky side and the limbs a little

short for the height of about five feet, six inches. However, since

the suit was not designed for a close fit, it was difficult to be

sure. Hunt noticed the soles of the boots were surprisingly thick.

“Sprung interior,” Danchekker supplied, following his gaze.

“What’s that?”

“It’s quite ingenious. The mechanical properties of the sole

material vary with applied pressure. With the wearer walking at

normal speed, the sole would remain mildly flexible. Under impact,

however-for example, if he jumped-it assumes the characteristics of

a stiff spring. It’s an ideal device for kangarooing along in lunar

gravity-utilizing conditions of reduced weight but normal inertia

to advantage.”

“And now, gentlemen,” said Caldwell, who had been following events

with evident satisfaction, “the moment I guess you’ve been waiting

for-let’s have a look at Charlie himself.”

An elevator took them down to the subterranean levels of the

institute. They emerged into a somber corridor of white-tiled walls

and white lights, and followed it to a large metal door. Danchekker

pressed his thumb against a glass plate set into the wall and the

door slid silently aside on recognition of his print. At the same

time, a diffuse but brilliant white glow flooded the room inside.

It was cold. Most of the walls were taken up by control panels,

analytical equipment, and glass cabinets containing rows of

gleaming instruments. Everything was light green, as in an

operating theater, and gave the same impression of surgical

cleanliness. A large table, supported by a single central pillar,

stood to one side. On top of it was what looked like an oversize

glass coffin. Inside that lay the body. Saying nothing, the

professor led them across the room, his overshoes squeaking on the

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