Page 172 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Investigating the Mystery of the Talking Plant
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because he would say almost anything that popped into his head. A
couple of the other aliens have been to PKU trade exhibitions prior to
this one, and know the ropes pretty well. They must have been
amused by Bulakko’s child-like enthusiasm and ignorance.”

“…he would say almost anything that popped into his head.”

“I see,” said Kaga, as they went out into the hall. “Now, what about
this gravity control mechanism: where is it located?”
“In the large central room here across the corridor. You need PKU
or Center staff ID to open any of its doors.” Lugo paused in front of a
small side door and put his thumb on an identity sensor. The panel
slid open and they entered a chamber filled with flashing lights,
rheostats, cables going in all directions, and row upon row of
cybernetic read-outs. Lugo went to one of the real-time control
consoles and pointed to a knob on it.
“That determines the gravity level in Bulakko’s room. It’s easy
enough to adjust up or down, but— hello, what’s this? Look, Captain
Kaga! I didn’t notice it this morning when I was in here, but there is
some sort of sticky residue on the panel just below the dial.”
Kaga peered down at the space indicated by Lugo’s forefinger.
“Hmm…very interesting. You said earlier that this control had
malfunctioned: why was that your conclusion?”

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