My Journal
By Harriman Nelson
9
“I’m surprised you’re
here,” Dr. Wixom said looking up from his seat in the late afternoon sunlight
of the marine lab’s coffee shop.
“I might say the same about
you,” I answered and ordered a coffee from the counter. I was tired, having
barely had an hour’s sleep before reporting to the lab earlier in the morning.
And so far today, hadn’t had much success in finding a instant ‘fix’ for the
parasite problem and was in dire need of caffeine before continuing my
research.
“I have a vested interest
in what you discover, remember? This is the best place to stay on top of
things. And I’m glad to say, I’ve also secured a company more than willing to
take on my proposal.”
“Good for you,” I said as
I
paid for my coffee and sat down at an unoccupied table. I supposed it was not
the best time of day for business as most occupants of the lab had already left
for the day. I had too much work yet to do to even consider it.
“Must be hard for you,
Admiral,” Wixom said, “people thinking your precious captain’s the victim of
some druid’s curse the tabloids are spouting. You’d think they’d know that
lightning can strike from miles away and that the druids weren’t even around
when the stones were erected.”
“You’d think,” I answered
and glimpsed some of the newspapers, legit and otherwise at his place.
“Help yourself,” he
offered, standing up. “Photographs well, your boy. Even if he’s a bit singed.
Was released from the hospital early this morning, their time, but I’m sure you
know that already. There’s a photograph of him at Tintagel Castle. Just in time
for the London Time’s noon edition. How convenient
for them.”
“Your sarcasm is noted.
Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to enjoy my coffee in peace.”
“Suit yourself,” he said
and left.
I couldn’t resist picking
up the papers and bringing them to my table. One article after another discussed
Lee’s close call. Of Commander Jackson, the reports only included the
briefest mention
that he too, along with the group, had
narrowly escaped death.
As for Tintagel castle, the
ancient Roman British ruin was interesting by itself, but it was the picture of
Lee, in the costume of a long black robe embroidered with cobwebs, stars and
galaxies, along with a pointy hat of the same design that got my attention. He
certainly looked the part of the legendary Merlin, especially with his
mysterious dark looks and unshaved stubble. Joe, on the other hand looked like a
rather bad imitation of either King Uther Pendragon or King Gorlois, either of
which might be imagined as rather scruffy looking warlords and certainly not
clean shaven.
I had to wonder how much
the local gift shop charged for such a souvenir picture and rental of the
costumes. At least I thought they had to be rented. Whatever the case, I was
sure that this newspaper photo was going to make its way to the crew’s bulletin
board!
Next on Lee’s agenda, at
least according to some of the reports, is a visit to the famous Carnarvon
Castle and the Trefriew walking
trails followed by a meal at
an eatery called, of all things, ‘The
Toad’.
I can just imagine the
crew’s response to that.
Well, my coffee’s finished
and I have to admit I barely tasted it, I was so engrossed in all the reports about
Lee.
Get back to work Harriman.
Japan and Lee are counting on me to get this parasite problem fixed asap.
