Black Hole Heartbeat

Elizabeth - 54

Elizabeth could hear the muffled shouts from inside the research lab. Querius

screaming. She slammed her shoulder into the door and burst it open.

"Ranger!" he exclaimed.

Elizabeth looked around the lab, puzzled. Querius was alone, standing at his

worktable with a strange, cog operated monocle over his left eye.

"I thought I heard a struggle in here."

"Oh. I fear that was simply me," Querius said, letting out an embarrassed cough.

"You?"

He lifted the monocle over his head.

"I have an unusual work style. Believe it or not, the chaos keeps me focused. Jemsa

used to enjoy it. She used to laugh and ask me if I used the technique to keep me

focused during... other activities," Querius said.

He sighed, mouth curving into a smile.

"You miss her?" Elizabeth asked.

"I miss who she was. Honestly though, it is relief somewhat not to see her every day

now, seeing her suffer. That thought may be shameful and selfish, but it is how I

feel."

"I understand," Elizabeth said.

She could see Querius' lip beginning to tremble, his hand shake. He turned his back

on Elizabeth and stared at the desk.

"Anyway," Querius said, straightening his back, "My guess would be that you came

here to discuss something more important."

She took the crumpled piece of paper from her pocket and handed it to him. He lay it

on the desk and wiped his hand across it from corner to corner methodically to

flatten it.

"You have quite the talent, Miss Ranger."

"Before that I'd never drawn anything in my life."

"Perhaps the Human English expression of beginners luck is appropriate here then,"

he said, smiling and handing the paper back.

She did not take it from his hand.

"I drew it right after I touched the fragment Rusalka brought back. I wasn't even

aware that I was doing it. Just looked down at the paper and there it was."

"I see," Querius said.

He brought the paper up to his eye and examined it closer.

"My memory is growling, Ranger."

"Excuse me?"

"It's a Jahlder expression. My absorbsion panels can sense something blurred. I

recognize this tree, I'm sure of it. In a book, in a photograph. Somewhere. I just can't

recall it. The memorial equivalent of a word on the tip of my tongue. Don't worry, I'll

find it. Perhaps Krakk can help me."

"Where is Krakk anyway?" Elizabeth said.

"Working on a side project. I encouraged him to do so, I feel keeping a mind occupied

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151

normally means it behaves when you really need it. I myself am working on a

miniature turret to attach to your bracelets. I discussed the project with Lavell first

and she was quite excited by the idea. I would not have continued my augmentation

if the original inventor did not agree with it."

"That sounds useful. And important. Do you want me to go and find Krakk, give you

an extra pair of hands?"

"Krakk was a slave his entire life. I do not wish to subject him to that once more for

my own gains."

"Does he talk about it?" Elizabeth asked.

"Krakk is a pistachio, Ranger."

She suppressed a chuckle, "Is that another Jahlder expression?"

"Oh. I believed it to be Human."

"Do you maybe mean he's 'a tough nut to crack', Querius?"

"No. That doesn't quite fit," Querius said, raising a pondering hand to his chin.

"Well that pistachio thing's a new one on me."

"Some days he shares a little, some days a lot. Some days nothing at all. Maybe he

would share more if I pried, but I don't like to."

"Sounds like you make quite the team. Keep me updated on your turret design, I'm

sure it'll come in handy. A girl never can have too many toys."

"The upgrade itself it rather simple, it's the attaching it to the already saturated

foldaway compartments on the bracelet that is proving the stumbling block. But I

will find a way, Ranger. Have no fear."

"I don't doubt it. But the main focus is that tree, understand? See if Krakk can help

out with your growling memory when he gets back."

"Of course, Ranger. Of course."

Querius nodded his goodbyes as Elizabeth closed the door behind her.