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