The Clones of Mawcett by Thomas DePrima Read Free Book Online Page B

the way into the below-ground complex. The air quality measurement instruments provided better readings below surface than on the pollution-free planet above, owing mostly to the almost complete absence of plant pollens in the facility. An unseen air filtration system had to be hard at work.
Before entering the circular chamber, Doctor Peterson forewarned the others by saying, “We now know, for a fact, that this complex has a functioning energy source and is able to respond to some kind of stimuli. I caution you against touching anything. We are down here to observe only, until we know what we're up against. Touch nothing! Nor should you wave your light torches around, as Anthony did yesterday, because the light may trigger sensors in the room. Also, do not congregate in groups like before. Don't even lean against the walls. And above all, don't stand where the wall is reputed to have risen up from the floor.”
“I resent your implication that my light torch caused the problem,” Doctor Ramilo said furiously. “There's absolutely no proof that I am responsible for what happened to us.”
“Oh, Anthony,” Doctor Huften said, “calm down. It was only speculation that your torch may have activated a light sensor. You're not being indicted. Edward is only warning us to be careful, and not take the chance that a torch could have caused the problem.”
“Quite right, Barbara,” Doctor Peterson said. “Quite right. Now if everyone is ready, let's enter.”
Despite his warning about congregating, the others stayed close to Doctor Peterson at first, as if they feared to stray very far from his dominant personality. But upon entering the chamber, they were immediately drawn to the wall of gauges, and spread out to stare at the banks of flickering lights and fluctuating symbols.
“What's happened here?” Doctor Vlashsku said, his skin color slowly alternating between dull red and orange. Another Nordakian would know that the display meant he was experiencing fear.
“Something quite significant, apparently,” Doctor Huften replied.
“Could this be related to what happened to us?” Doctor Ramilo asked nobody in particular.
“It must be,” Doctor Peterson said. “Nothing was registering on these instruments yesterday.”
“Whatever can it mean?” Doctor Vlashsku asked, his skin color flashing ever faster.
“I have no idea, Dakshiku,” Doctor Peterson said. “Just remain calm. Everybody remain calm. We'll monitor this wall around the clock and try to determine what's being measured by noting any changes.”
“Around the clock?” Doctor Huften questioned in surprise.
“Yes. I feel sure that this is important. We'll all take turns, throughout the day, monitoring the gauges. Keewatin, and one of his more reliable dig supervisors, will be responsible for the nighttime monitoring.”
“There is something dangerously wrong here, Edward,” Doctor Vlashsku said. “We must call in the authorities.”
“No,” Doctor Peterson said quickly, “No authorities. I called in the authorities twenty-five years ago at a dig in eastern Syria near the Iraq border when we started receiving unusual radiation readings. They weren't high enough to be dangerous, but I did as required by our permits and reported the readings. Within two days our excavation permits were rescinded and we were physically removed from the area. When we were allowed back in, we found the site had been practically demolished. They had moved in with bulldozers and heavy earth moving equipment, totally destroying the ancient burial ground that we were attempting to uncover.”
“Why? What had you found?” Doctor Huften asked.
“They told us that we had found the remnants of a small, radioactive meteor. They said that it was removed for our own safety.”
“A meteor?”
“That's what they said, Barbara, but I believe it was something else because they'd never let me or any member of my team see it. Anyway, since then I don't call the authorities unless I