Page 116 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Fasting the Plastiphage

to rest its metabolism and have enough energy to heal itself. There is
no other way.”
“But for how long?” asked Stimgage.
“I don’t know,” said Kaga, “but don’t tell them that! There will be
signs when the Plastiphage begins to recover.”
Stimgage thought a moment, and then said, “What if it dies,
anyway? They are sure to blame you. I cannot predict what would
happen in that event.’’
“I’ll have to take that chance. I cannot take Lieutenant Lugo away
from here yet; he must recuperate a few more days. The Plastiphage
will certainly die by then if you don’t follow my advice.”
Stimgage shrugged and returned to the other Hierotechs. While the
Burdleimians argued the merits and demerits of Kaga’s diagnosis and
prescription, he again regarded the Plastiphage. One of its eyes was
open and seemed to be focused on him. Kaga surreptitiously turned
his Languex toward the creature and set it at low volume to emit a
series of short test phrases in a variety of trans-galactic languages. The
Plastiphage continued to stare but made no response to the linguistic
probes. As far as Kaga knew, it had never made any sounds other than
those of mastication. He gave up and reset the Languex to Burdleim
speech as Stimgage approached.
“They will do it,” he said to Kaga, “partly out of fear of the PKU
and partly to conserve plastikons. The High Priest grants that a lot of
plastic has been wasted lately going into the Plastiphage’s stomach.
But you are to be held responsible if anything goes wrong.”
“I understand,” said Kaga. “All I ask is that I be notified
immediately if the creature exhibits any change, for better or worse.
Now I must return to Lieutenant Lugo.”
Captain Kaga waited for six days inside the Great Temple. Each day
Lugo’s condition improved; he was on the verge of regaining
consciousness. Stimgage had provided them with food and news of
the progress of the fast. At first the Plastiphage had become agitated,
casting about the enclosure for something to eat. Then it had
subsided, and sat quietly once again. The swelling had decreased, but
no oil had come forth. The vigil was difficult for all concerned.
On the sixth day Stimgage burst into the room. “Come quickly!” he
said breathlessly. “It’s making some sort of noise!”

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