Page 173 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

crystal circuits. Very clever; if the key stops working because there is no charge, place it in sunlight
and voila, working again” Trok said, with a flourish.

Among some recent finds from the Genetic facility; as they were now calling the
underground structure, was, what could only be described as, a crystal wand, a strange square coin
or token with a hole punched in one corner and several small metal discs of various alloys and pure
metals. One of which also had a small hole punched into the centre. He examined the wand.

At around fifty centimetres in length; and around thirteen
millimetres diameter at one end tapering to around two
and a half millimetres at the other end. The Wand had
what looked like a covering of leather at the wider end that
went to about ten centimetres to one of two rotatable
metal ferules; each with a scale and a small black pointer.
Along from this was another ferule with three jewel-like
cabochons spaced equidistant around the circumference of
the ferule. This last ferule; like the others was tapered and
ended on a rolled edge, out of which protruded the rest of
the wand. This latter part was composed of a clear crystal
that was also tapered over its length. About a quarter of the length of this crystal from the ferule
end was a tight fitting black ring, probably magnetite. The intercom bleeped and Trok answered the
call; it was Jennifer from Hubris’ Lab.

“I have something from the database we’ve translated that came from the units in the Genetics
building. It’s in relation to that Wand that was recovered from one of the operating theatres.
Apparently it’s a sort of multipurpose medical tool. There are some technical specs and an
instructional video; I’ll send you the files over the ships Hive Net as soon as we have a translation.
I’m also sending the same info to the Doc; he might want to consult with you on this” Jennifer said
and Trok acknowledged. He picked up the wand; it felt like it was resisting him slightly. He fingered
one of the rings and found that it adjusted the balance and feel of the object. He tried the other one.
At first he thought that it hadn’t done anything; but then the crystal part began to glow a pale green
colour. He could feel a faint vibration in his fingertip coming from the ferule with the three
cabochons. He felt each one in turn and one of them was definitely vibrating he pressed it and a
needle fine beam shot from the end of the wand. It struck the desk lamp and made a tiny pin prick
hole through the surface of the shade. He tried twiddling with the rings and pressing the cabochons;
each setting did slightly different things. His console pinged to inform him the files were ready for
viewing. He put them up on the main viewer and started the instructional video. The Kryst arm and
hand looked very much like those of a Flutvarn; however there were only four digits. Stenerton
walked in and Trok paused the playback.

“Ah! I see you have it too. It’s an interesting piece of equipment; mind if I join you. I wouldn’t mind
trying this out on a patient; but the Unity Ethics Committee would probably take my license, until
that is it can be determined if it’s safe to use. But judging by that video it’s really easy and has a
safeguarding option.” Stenerton said and sat down in another chair, Trok played the video again
from the start; Stenerton explaining certain actions and their medical significance.

Hubris was with Krysta in her ready room off from the Bridge. Krysta and he; were going
over the latest reports of the Stellar activity.

“Looks like P’rada’s getting ready to spew out a flare right in our direction. It is expected to hit
She’brakda’s upper atmosphere on the opposite side of our encampment. It’s going to play havoc
with communications till the ionosphere activity subsides and there might be a sharp spike in the UV
levels. Have you had word back from the Unity on the last data burst you sent?” Krysta asked.