Hoto Nagi (Part Two)

November 7 - Hoto Nagi

The doctor led me to a laboratory far from the valleys and rivers of the moon's surface. The lighting was subdued. There was a scattering of cupboards, monitors and other items around the circumference of the room.

Still in her holographic protection, the doctor manipulated a series of controls remotely. Suddenly, the space was filled with large, brightly coloured three dimensional images of all sorts of laboratory equipment.

"Here is the projection of the serum I am making," she explained, "Do you see blood?"

I wandered about the monstrous alembics, the towering Erlenmeyer flasks. I felt like I had suddenly been miniaturized and dropped on the work table in Manda's lab.

"I will admit I don't understand what I am looking at..." I stopped then pointed to an object with a hinged glass front at chest level. "I recognize this machine from your hospital on Al Raqis."

"Yes," answered the doctor, "it's a replicator. It replicates things. In this case, the serum and the plant we most need. We have had a complete success as long as it's given within 14 days of the infection. The serum is of the original virus."

This would do, I thought.

"Very well," I said, "We will need copies of your notes in case the holographic upload fails. We must plan for every contingency."

"Do you know Dr. Natirra?" asked the woman.

"I recognize the name,"

"She and I have been working together."

I nodded by way of response.

"She is from your planetary system," she added.

"And perhaps you will be able to work together again," I suggested.

"We would like that," replied the doctor, "Set up the holographic signal and I will do my best to help you."

"Thank you, Doctor," I replied.

"However I wonder, do you even know why they wish to detain us?"

"The Myrmidon?" I asked.

"No," she replied, "the Imperial Inquisitor. I found out today..."

"You would be out of his reach on our planet," I offered.

"He wishes to detain me for rules and motions," she declared, "I mean, rules and motions! Not because of the serum. Not because of the virus... but because we did not stop the blockade.... That caused lives, but it would have caused more if more would have left the planet without being searched."

"More palace intrigue, I am sure," I remarked.

The doctor continued. "I believe I am their scapegoat because I was on the Laandsrat a week. It seems to me that there is more to this, a power play, if you will."

"Then I am glad we found you, Doctor," I replied.

"I am glad I can at least work," she said, "even though I am not here in person. I wish to help any I can. This is my life goal and life ambition .. my life's work."

I nodded again.

"I do hope we meet soon," she added, "I just wish it was in person."