The Adventures of Deacon Coombs (49 page)

“Here in Liberty City and on the moon Brebouillis, my Owlers and I examined confidential files about the parameters of a world known as Medulla.”

“Ahhmm, the land of spirits. I have read about them but never studied them.”

“They are more than spirits, Toad. Medullans evolved into the spiritual world from the body millions of years ago. Like us, they were corporeal at one time. They severed from their being and reached a stage of evolution unparalleled in our worlds, as they found they could survive without flesh.” Rodan was engrossed.

“Let me tell you that it is only natural that the Medullans evolved over time into spirits, and the key factor was not time, as it is in other species. The key factor in their evolution was the physical conditions that existed on the planet’s surface. Let me explain. Then I will seek your affirmation, or doubts.” Rodan placed his fist under his chin, opened his bulbous brown eyes even wider, and fixated on Deacon.

“On Earth, we have gravity and magnetic fields that we have understood for thousands of years. Our laws of gravity and magnetics, and the laws of physics, are based on the fundamental laws of gravity and magnetics.

“One of the most shocking discoveries that I made in this case is a revelation of the physical and natural parameters that abound on Medulla. They are not the same as Earth’s and have little in common with the physics of any other planet in the Alliance. From planet to planet, the physics of gravity and magnetics change. On planet Medulla, we are witnessing an extreme case.”

Rodan rubbed his hands in an excited state. “Ooh, I am interested; tell me more.”

“Toad, in confidential files at Brebouillis, I noted that the magnetic field on Medulla is entirely unstable. Unlike Earth’s poles, which reverse over long periods of time, the magnetic reversals of the magnetic poles on Medulla occur sometimes even daily!”

“Oh my goosh, how did you confirm this?’

“When the Medullans were admitted to the Alliance, they were required to submit basic data about the planet. One of the conditions of admittance was this transfer of data. However, only the Aralians received this information, and they were under agreement to keep it confidential. The Medullans did not want to spark interest with physicists all across the universe. They treasure their privacy.”

“I had no idea that the magnetic fields on any planet could fluctuate so rapidly.”

“There’s more. The core of the planet Medulla, like Earth, is molten. Unlike Earth, while the mass of the planet remains constant, the core and inner parts are in a tug-of war-for equilibrium between liquid, gaseous, and solid states. In other words, there are battles of phase changes within the planet. That means—”

“That the gravity field fluctuates on a daily level too!” Rodan shouted excitedly. “How utterly tormenting for life on Medulla!”

“Exactly. You and I know that all matter consists of electronically charged particles of protons, electrons, and neutrons, down to the smallest nebal. Since all magnetic fields have associated electronic fields, and all electronic fields have associated magnetic fields, imagine the strain of trying to evolve life in that type of dynamic environment where the smallest particles are in constant turmoil because the fields forever change. It was this instability on the planet that caused the Medullans to seek paths of evolution to shed their bodies.”

“What a terrible place for life to evolve.”

“My observation, Toad, is that their evolution of life took them over millions of years to their current level of spirituality, into a dimension where the dynamic daily changes of the gravity and magnetic fields are now minimal or nonexistent. These life forms, from the very beginning, were directed down paths of nature that would help them overcome the quaking masses of their bodies. They were corporeal at first. But can you imagine the stress of a different gravity field every day? A differently charged ionic body system every day? A different metabolism every day?”

“I understand what you mean. My goosh. You think that these creatures naturally fought the system to retain bodies and discovered that life in the spiritual world was freedom.”

“You, Toad, now have what every physicist dreams of—a fully unrestricted pass to the confidential files in the history archives in Liberty City to examine the history of planet Medulla and the evolution of the Medullans. And”—he smiled—“what is not recorded there is brought by my Owlers from confidential restricted files on Brebouillis for your inspection. And you have exactly one and one-half days to examine the fluctuations, construct your own equations, and then hypothesize, to see if what I propose is correct or not.”

Rodan stroked his chin. “For an amateur physicist, you have made some startling deductions. You believe that this murderer is a Medullan.”

“I know so, for I have witnessed him. The Alliance must know more about the physics of Medulla and how the fields affect human life. We must know if the energy of this creature or any Medullan can exist in domains that cannot be detected. We must know how to contact this evil. However, your most important assignment is to determine how to destroy the malignancy.”

“Ahhmm, you seem so confident of what you say. Enough said. My goosh, I will join in your efforts. If this murderer was not detected on Aralia and Globiana, I will find the reason why. I also accept the challenge of finding a way to destroy it.”

Deacon reached across from where he sat to grasp Rodan’s hands. They shook heartily until Deacon broke the lock to say, “I have had two firsthand encounters with this Medullan. His presence was completely undetected by our instruments, yet he was close, so close that I saw him as a giant bird of prey. If he travels out of our dimensions, how can he be seen but not detected?”

“Oh,” Rodan said, “you don’t expect me to answer that, do you? I’ve only been on the job two minutes.” Rodan laughed while Deacon said, “Just like the good ole days, Toad and Deacon.”

“You do pose an interesting problem, Deacon. Why shouldn’t he be detected? There must have been a spatial disturbance?” Rodan then soured. “This sounds like a very dangerous assignment. The murderer can’t be seen and can’t be detected. It is able to project shapes and able to bend minds. Does he know that you recruit me?”

“Rest assured that you are safe, and I will assign protection every minute from the Owler Jim. Your assignment, Toad, is to additionally identify his physical weakness. Unfortunately, we must devise a plan to kill him, and as I said, we need your help to identify the implement of his destruction. Since I believe that this creature does not conform to our laws of nature and physics, we must uncover those special circumstances that are optimum for his execution.”

“Oh my goosh.” Rodan beamed waves of respect toward Deacon. “Challenge accepted, Coombs. Beats the chooch of any of the current projects I probe. This sounds so exciting.”

“We rendezvous at the library this afternoon. Jim, my Owler, will escort you there in three hours. Pack everything you need for the next three weeks, including any analytical devices. Accommodations for you and me have already been arranged in the archives.”

Rodan was shocked. “Three weeks?”

“After our research in the library, we must journey to Medulla.”

“Hurrah! Coombs and Roadster to Medulla and beyond!” Rodan’s high-pitched voice shrilled in excitement.

Deacon rose and shook Rodan’s fleshy hand. “Until later, my friend, for I have other errands before you arrive.”

“Deacon, I don’t want to appear brash or rude,” Rodan said, speaking softly and humbly. “I uh… you know, uh… how it is these days. There is no more respect for the Doctor Roadster. This new generation, they brush my ideas aside, these young hotshots. They coin new terminology for my past works. My grants have become smaller and smaller. Pests come all the time. I don’t want to be impertinent, but funds must be… I mean, I can’t work for free.”

“Toad, I shall have allowances for your time arranged. I never would ask so great a task to go unrewarded. I promise.”

“I normally wouldn’t have approached you, but—”

“Toad, I am not insulted. What you ask is for fair compensation, and I agree. I confirmed for you earlier that this could be a dangerous voyage, so danger pay will be piled on top of scientific research. I must depart. It was so great to see you again, and so until later, my friend.” Deacon departed as Rodan waddled toward the door mumbling about pests and his gratitude to Deacon. Deacon paused at the door to identify Jim for Rodan. They exchanged waves. Then Deacon bolted into the cold morning air to find Jim chatting with one of the local constables about his adventures in outer space.

Deacon hailed Jim. “Do you think that the latest model from the assembly line could find our way back to the library in our shuttle?” Jim saluted the officer and approached Deacon. “Rather nice chap. Chatty though. Master, in answer to your question, the way to the library is trivial. Of course I can find it.” Deacon did not have time to ask the officer his impressions of Jim.
Chatty
, he thought to himself.

Deacon was lost in his thoughts as Jim continued to talk to him about the uplifting conversation. Over and over, Deacon replayed the words of Rodan. The same fear that Rodan had visited him in his own idle moments—the fear that someone younger, brighter, would emerge soon to challenge him for the role of esteemed detective, would burst onto the policing scene the way that he had through his own initiatives. Maybe, as with Rodan, this upstart would rewrite and then retitle his treatises for a new generation.

The hum of the engine made him dream, and in his dreams he saw the challenger. He was a tall, muscular, specimen, tanned evenly, handsome, flexing his muscles as his magnetic personality wooed Lyanna. There they were, she in his arms being whisked away from him as the upstart carried her up the stairs of the History Archives Library while he struggled, out of breath because of his weight, and unable to speak over Lyanna’s giggles.

“Master,” Jim said, shaking Deacon, “we have arrived at the library.” Jim shook him again to wake him from his trance and then aided him to his feet. Deacon’s muscles were sore; his mind ached.

“Shall I accompany you to your room?” Jim asked.

“No, I want you to check the records, organize files, and set up a research position for Rodan Roadster so all is ready for him when he arrives. Test the monitor and retrieval systems too, and contact Gem and Chubby to find where and when the
G’uillger
arrives and make the arrangements for departure for Medulla. When the ship does arrive, ask Chubby to come to the library to see me. Don’t forget to pick up Toad in three hours. Go out of your way to treat him with respect. While his real name is Rodan Roadster, his friends respectfully address him as Toad. I think it appropriate for you to do the same.”

After Jim departed, Deacon wound his way through the maze to the back part of the building. There a pleasant scent permeated his nostrils. Lyanna filled his senses. “You approve of my choice,” she said.

Deacon was annoyed. “You promised to stop reading my thoughts, Lyanna.” He stepped toward his room to find her standing in the doorway.

Puzzled, she stood with her hands on her hips. “I didn’t deserve that outburst. I put this scent on to please you.”

“Sorry, I’m just on edge. But please stop invading my mind. Don’t you find conversation more satisfying?” Striding forward with conviction, he said, “Place your arms around my neck.”

“Why should I do that?”

“Please, for me, and hold on.” With an extraordinary tug, he hoisted her up, transferred her completely inside the room and then carried her to his bed, where his knees buckled and they tumbled to the floor just shy of the soft covers. She was hysterical.

“I think of you as a gallant knight, but please don’t ever act like one again.”

“I believe that I love you,” he said. His words caused her to crawl closer.

“Do you have time in your schedule to make love to a poor, defenseless scientist?”

“I sent Jim away. Rodan does not arrive for three hours. I consider you to be anything but defenseless. Intelligent, uncanny, resourceful, yes, but not defenseless.”

“Why did you bark at me upon your arrival?”

“I’m sorry. I am caught up in the apprehension because I have bet all our lives and future on an aging scientist who I believe can save us.”

She plunked a kiss on his lips and then turned away. “I shall return in a few minutes. Let me make a quick trip to my compartment.”

“Don’t tidy up. I intend to be ruthless with you.”

He stood and unbuttoned his shirt to expose his soft belly. “Nothing to disguise that,” he said to himself. As he unbuckled his trousers and kicked off his shoes, he heard the door to his room open.

Xudur

Another fragrant odor greeted Deacon. “Ah, that’s even more ravishing.” He blushed a deep red in his cheeks as he found himself standing almost naked before Xudur.

“Perhaps you did not hear me knock. Why do you blush, Earthman? Do you think me so naive to have never seen a naked male Earth specimen before?”

As she addressed him, he zipped his trousers up and put on his shirt. “Permission to visit these premises must be obtained. I thought that was agreed upon by the Council.”

“I do not need your consent. I report to Landrew. And don’t forget that I provide security for you and your team. Unlike the traitor Rande, you can depend upon me to protect you.”

“Speak, Xudur. I am a busy person. Dr. Roadster arrives in less than three hours, and I have much to prepare. What do you want?”

Her scaly green reptilian hulk slinked around the room, the muscles in her legs rippling with each stride, a small extension at the rear base of her torso wagging, the lime-green scales jostling for position in her legs and torso. “Earthman, your words are impressive, and I have taken the liberty to read some selections by the famous Deacon Coombs, such as the cataloging of soils, your profiles of criminal traits, and your documentation of bacteria.” She wandered around the room as she spoke, inspecting his belongings—his books, his computer, his personal effects, and his notebook.