Patchwork Universe

Dr. William T. Odom · Good Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 42 Location: The Museum

"A verbal summary?" Dr. Odom chuckled ruefully. "It's possible, but, I must admit, most curators know rather less about the contents of their charges than about their locations, dimensions and provenances. Still, we can only find out the hard way."

Dr. Odom rose and picked up his cup so he might return it to the counter.

"As for this tea, I had my fill of it . . . oh, nearer half than a quarter of a century ago."

Dr Jewel · Posted: 10 Feb 2004 09:03 am Post subject:

"Please lead the way." Dr Jewel glanced around. "I'm still feeling rather lost in this place."

"She picked her bag up and pulled it over her shoulder, then adjusted the glasses balanced on her nose.

"I assume there is a lift ?"

Dr. William T. Odom · Good Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 42 Location: The Museum

"No, no. Nothing of the sort. It wouldn't be practical. Something to do with how long a cable can be before it snaps from its own weight. Not really my field. The main staircase is nice and broad, a comfortable walk with steps just the right height and depth, although I confess I'm not as young as I used to be and I might have to stop for a rest if we were to go much higher than the 184th floor."

Dr. Odom led Dr. Jewel back the way they had come. When they climbed from the basement, though, he continued up a wide staircase of pearly marble rather than returning to the front door. His footsteps filled the halls with echoes of the scuff of his soles on the steps as he trotted comfortably up one side of the stairs.

"Even so, I imagine we can be there in under an hour."

* * * * *

Over the crust of a tomato sandwich, wide hazel eyes watched Dr. Odom and the strange woman with the boyish haircut and trousers leave the commissary.

Dr Jewel · Posted: 11 Feb 2004 01:54 pm Post subject:

Dr Jewel climbed the steps carefully, counting the floors one by one. She glanced at the signs that they passed; often with a rather wistful expression.

Finally, a sign announcing the 184th floor came into view.

"So this is it ?" She asked. "I hope that there are some comfortable chairs. This could take a while."

Dr. William T. Odom · Good Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 42 Location: The Museum

"Ah, here we are," Dr. Odom announced unnecessarily. He was straining a little not to appear out-of-breath. The brisk trot up from the basement had taken more of a toll than he was ready to admit.

"Something you ought to know," he said to Dr. Jewel as he guided her toward a complex wooden edifice with several faces peering over it. "Dr. Kitteridge and I are not on the best of terms. He was senior to me when I was made Curator of Print. He feels that he and not I ought to be Curator General. Still, to his credit, he does not let that interfere with his professional life."

The faces behind the massive wooden barricades resolved into perplexed or bored expressions of youth.

"Please fetch Dr. Kitteridge, the most senior Guide, and a couple of Runners," Dr. Odom demanded. The young man behind the counter rubbed the side of his nose absently and set off to fulfill the request.

When the requested personnel had been assembled, Dr. Odom introduced Dr. Jewel to Dr. Kitteridge. Dr. Kitteridge's greeting consisted of a condescending snort as he surveyed the field worker for dirt that might contaminate his books.

"Right!" Dr. Odom called, taking control of the situation. "Kitteridge, stay close. I'm sure you can find a way to make yourself useful. I'll need you, miss, to fetch whatever volumes Dr. Jewel requires. As odd as it sounds, please turn pages as requested and take notes. One runner, place yourself at the disposal of our erstwhile guide here. Other runner, please ensure that there is a near-constant supply of tea and Scotch eggs in the vicinity of the bench by the stairs.

"Well, Dr., shall we get to work?"