Patchwork Universe

Dr Jewel · Posted: 12 Feb 2004 08:53 pm Post subject: Conclusions from the 184th floor

Dr Jewel glanced up at the clock. It was nearly twelve hours since she and Dr Odom had entered the museum. Dr Kitterage had finally been persuaded to go home to get some sleep, although, Jewel Hart did wonder what he would do when he discovered that home was no longer just outside.

She ran her eye over the recorded notes, then over the duplicate copy she had made for herself using her notebook. One set each - one that Dr Odom could pick up, one that only she could touch. She glanced around and decided that this was the time to announce her conclusions.

"I think," she said carefully, "that we've made considerable progress. Having compared the various sources, it seems that the deaths were more likely to be magically caused - by a curse - than being due to a virus or other such illness. After all, I saw symbols on the walls in there, which we've found copies of in the Records of Father Mauricius and that red volume calling itself Symbols of Power. Those volumes both indicate that the symbols result in a curse when and only when the seal to a room or container is broken. This, of course, is good news because it implies that the curse was linked to the opening of the original cellar. That should mean there is no further risk to anyone else from simply looking over what we have found.

"However, should we dig deeper, there is a danger that lower chambers might have similar symbols engraved on them. Whilst I have nothing further to lose, I think further excavation work should be treated with extreme caution. Instead I propose to go and attempt to talk to the... err... person that we initially found. Assuming that they're willing and able to talk.

"Would you like to come with me ?"

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

Dr. Odom stretched and rubbed his eyes. He rolled down his sleeves and replaced his cufflinks and started to put his coat back on.

One of the Runners was stacking the Mauricius, the Symbols and a hundred other volumes sent down from the 388th floor onto a cart.

"I'm inclined to agree with you, but please forgive me if I seem overly concerned with my own safety. Allow me to collect some equipment and I'll meet you outside."

Dr Jewel · Posted: 17 Feb 2004 09:17 am Post subject:

Dr Jewel was standing on the uppermost step when Dr Odom came outside.

"It's about a mile walk." She said. "We'll skirt the edge of the village so you can see that from a safe distance. Then I'll take you to the site itself where my team will be. They are still working away of course, but are rather oblivious to their lack of progress. With luck, the body we found will still be in the basement."

She glanced at Dr Odom's preparations.

"Ready ?"

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

What Dr. Jewel's glace revealed took her by surprise.

Dr. Odom paused in the doorway of the Museum to light a cigarette. He discarded the match and tucked his tin of matches into a pouch on the belt around the waist of the deep-sea-diving suit he wore. Gloves were tucked into the belt and the faceplate of the helmet flapped open to allow him access to his cigarette. The air hose, shortened to three feet for practical purposes when displaying the suit, would have been to short to use even if an air pump had been attached.

Dr. Odom smiled sheepishly. "Go ahead, laugh if you like. At least I'll feel safer in this costume." He patted a couple more pockets on the belt. "I have the notes, a pocket notebook, my watch, tobacco and matches, and," he concluded, patting his chest through the bulky suit, "my pen." An expression of pained understanding crossed his face and he reddened a little. "Which I can get if I really need it."

"Lead on, Dr."

Dr Jewel · Posted: 18 Feb 2004 01:43 pm Post subject:

Dr Jewel Hart hurriedly searched for a polite - yet reassuring - reply. One that didn't suggest that Dr Odom's choice of outfit was a little extreme.

In the end she settled for a rather lame "This way."