Page 189 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Investigating the Mystery of the Talking Plant
187
“Now, now, Doctor,” said Lugo soothingly, “you know it just
wasn’t possible to dig a hole fifty meters deep here in the Center. And
you are a true pioneer: henceforth Drastians can venture into the
cosmos fearlessly, thanks to you. Is there any honor higher than
Doctor that can be bestowed upon you for this outstanding
achievement?”
Dr. Too-Rasoo thought for a moment. “Well,” he finally said, “in
the old days, when crystals came out of the lakes like bubbles from a
vifa fish, there were certain exalted elders who achieved the rank of—
but I don’t know how it will be translated.”
“Oh, don’t worry about the Languex,” said Lugo reassuringly. “It
can handle it. What was that title?”
“Consultant,” said the Drastian, and fibrillated slightly. Captain
Kaga broke in. “Yes, that is very appropriate, Doctor— or should I
say, Consultant. This pressurizing chamber must be very difficult for
you to control. It looks quite complicated.”
“Actually,” confessed the Drastian, “once you get the hang of it, it’s
not too difficult. Up here is the pressure regulator, and next to it the
timer. I just set it, go inside, and take a nice relaxing nap. When it’s
done, the door opens all by itself and I’m free for a few more hours.”
“The opening last night must have been a strain on you, Doctor,”
said Kaga solicitously. “I hear it went on for hours.”
“It could have been a problem,” Dr. Too-Rasoo agreed. “But I
carefully planned ahead so I could last until midnight. Then I went
under pressure for my usual six hours. So I didn’t suffer any— what
do you humans call it?—overhang.”
“Ha-ha!” chuckled Lugo. “You are very witty this morning, Doctor.
Do you have any other questions, Captain Kaga?”
“No, I don’t. Thank you very much, Doctor. I’ve enjoyed meeting
you very much.”
“Farewell, then. I hope you don’t mind if I don’t see you to the
door. That’s a human custom I learned a long time ago, but now I’ve
got to take another imitation dive.” So saying, Dr. Too-Rasoo set the
timer and glided into the compression chamber.
Kaga and Lugo went out of the habitat and spent a brief period in
the environmental lock.
“Well,” said Lugo, “it looks like Dr. Too-Rasoo has an airtight alibi,
eh?”

187