Menagerie - Martin Day [91]
Dear Ciaran
The report you requested is attached. To summarize, the strength of the Mecrim claw does not depend entirely upon the composition of the talons or on the pressure exerted by the arm itself. You know I'm no physicist, but the gist of it seems to be that the Mecrim can vibrate the molecules of its claw to allow it to penetrate another substance. Imagine being able to turn your hand into a gaseous state — you could then 'merge' with some other object, and then 'reform'
your hand. The results, as we have already seen, are truly horrific. The Mecrim are able to 'push' their claws through humanoid tissue with the minimum of effort.
The lab tests on the single Mecrim trapped in a lead cell make terrifying reading.
Are you seeing Marcus tomorrow? Say hi for me.
Best wishes
Jenn
Confidential Memorandum
From: Dr J. Alforge,
To: C. Y. Dugied,
Pr. Mecrim
Control 429
Date: 2417,3004,10:15
(WST)
Dear Ciaran
Another day, another letter, disguised as a memo. How the devil are you? I'm feeling awful, if truth be told. I've had a pain in the stomach all day — feels like it's more than just nerves.
The Head Observer from our mysterious benefactors was here today. He seemed very impressed by our reports. I think he's a sadistic bastard. For God's sake don't file this with the official memos.
Hope you're well anyway. Best wishes
Jenn
Confidential Memorandum
From: Dr J. Alforge,
To: C. Y. Dugied,
Pr. Mecrim
Control 429
Date: 2417,0405,11:25
(WST)
Subject: Mecrim gut microbe 23D
Dear Ciaran
Very bad news. The above-noted microbe, extracted for detailed research from Mecrim study number 09, has proved to be a highly dangerous one. Nik thinks that contact with air could prove deadly for humanoid life: I'm ordering thorough checks of our corpse disposal routine, and of our lab procedures. Nik's report will follow.
Please put some ships on stand-by in case we need to evacuate this place. I request that emergency science colony status 171 be granted until we are sure that this microbe hasn't escaped into the atmosphere.
Get that bastard out of my hair. He should have gone days ago.
Still feeling ill. Let's hope it's not . . . No, let's not even think about it.
Cheers
Confidential Memorandum
From: Dr J. Alforge,
To: C. Y. Dugied,
Pr. Mecrim
Control 429
Date: 2417,1106,19:50
(WST)
Subject: Mecrim gut microbe 23D
Ciaran —
People are dying here. Don't you understand? We thought we could use the Mecrim, but even in suspended animation they have proved stronger than us.
My condition is deteriorating, but not as fast as most. In some people you can see the flesh being eaten away.
Just do two things for me. I don't care about the changing front line or military contraction:
One, declare this world off-limits. I reckon you've got ten days to get a ship here. After that there will be no one to rescue.
Two, declare Project Mecrim a failure. Please. For me. The Head Observer from the institute has contracted the disease, but the medical labs have used him as a guinea-pig for some rather dubious cybernetic research. Cured of the plague, it only seems to have made him more insane, more convinced that, had it not been for this 'oversight', Project Mecrim would have been a success.
Overrule him. Do whatever you have to. He's hoping to return to the institute soon, leaving the rest of us to rot.
Don't forget me.
Personal File End Marker
FILE ENDS
Eighteen
As Kaquaan struggled against her assailant she heard a deep voice in her ear. 'Please be silent and do not move. I am following the Doctor's orders. Any noise or commotion will only draw attention to ourselves.'
Kaquaan turned to see the lumbering form of Defrabax's homunculus. This time she did not scream. In fact, now that she had the opportunity to examine the creature in the full light of day, she realized that its 'costume' was a rather feeble affair. The clay-like substance that covered much of its body was chipped and cracked around many of the