technical notation systems, and computer facilities capable of analyzing this
material. A large, ship-borne translation computer should be able to handle the
job—”
“That means Descartes'” Skempton protested.
“—In the time remaining to us,” Conway resumed, “and I hear Descartes recently
completed its first contact program on Dwerla and is free. But the third and
most technically difficult part of the problem is the reassembly. For this we
need fleet auxiliaries with the engineering facilities and space construction
personnel capable of rapidly rebuilding those parts of the alien vessel’s
supporting framework which cannot be salvaged from the wreckage. Ideally the
people concerned should be experienced Tralthan and Hudlar space construction
teams.
“Four,” he continued, allowing no time for objections, “we need a ship capable
of coordinating the reassembly operation.
and mounting a large number of tractor and pressor beam batteries with officers
highly trained in their use. This will reduce the risk of collision in the
assembly area between the retrieved sections and our own ships. The coordinating
vessel will have its own computer capable of handling the logistic—”
“Vespasian, he wants,” Skempton said dully.
“Yes, its tactical computer would be ideal,” Conway replied. “It also has the
necessary tractor and pressor batteries and, I believe, a very large cargo lock
in case I have to withdraw some of the CRLTs from their suspended animation
compartments. Remember, several segments of the entity were destroyed and
surgery may be required in these areas to close the gaps. But until we know a
great deal more about this entity’s, physiology and environment I have no clear
idea of the type and quantity of medical assistance which will be needed.”
“At last,” Thornnastor growled through its translator, “you are about to discuss
the needs of the patient.”
“The delay was intentional, sir,” Conway said, “since we must repair the ship
before we can help the occupant. Regarding this entity, or entities, Pathologist
Murchison and myself have examined one cadaver and we seek confirmation of our
preliminary findings and as much additional physiological data as you can
provide from the specimens brought back in Tyrell, and from the contents of the
intravenous infusion equipment which is used, apparently, to induce, extend, and
reverse the suspended animation process. Specifically, we require much more
information on the nervous system, the linkages to the voluntary and involuntary
musculature, the degree and rapidity of tissue regeneration we can expect if
surgical intervention is necessary and additional data on the transparent
material which covers and protects the raw areas at the forward and rear
extremities. Naturally, sir, this information is required the day before
yesterday.”
“Naturally,” Thornnastor growled. Its six elephantine feet, which had been
silent while Conway was speaking, resumed their slow thumping. Clearly-the
Tralthan was eager to go to work on those specimens of the completely new
life-form.
O’Mara waited for precisely three seconds, then he scowled up at Conway and
said, “And that is all you require. Doctor?”
Conway nodded. “For the present.”
OCOIU«
Colonel Skempton leaned forward and said caustically, “‘For the present he needs
the services of a Sector subfleet, including Descartes and Vespasian. Before we
can recommend the deployment of so many Service units we should refer the
matter to the Federation Council for—” He broke off because the thumping of
Thornnastor’s feet was making conversation difficult.
“Your pardon, Colonel,” the Tralthan said, “but it seems to me that if we refer
this matter to the Council they will ponder on it at great length and then
decide to make it the responsibility of the beings best able to understand and
solve the problem, who are the entities comprising the technical and medical
crew of Rhabwar. The special ambulance ship program was designed to deal with
the unexpected, and the fact that this problem is unexpectedly large is beside
the point.
“This is an entity, or entities, of a hitherto unknown species,” it went on,
“and I recommend that Senior Physician Conway be given the assistance he
requires to rescue and treat it. However, I have no objection to you
recommending this course and referring the matter to the Council for discussion
and ratification, and for amendment should they come up with a better idea.