Page 109 of Private Exhibit
One, he needs to know you're here. I don't think he'd stay calm enough for this otherwise. Two, we may not have enough time, depending on how bad it is. You and I may need to work in tandem to get the job done if there's any chance of saving him.
Gods, Andy gasped.
But if we can reallyseewhat's going on, Crawford continued, his voice infused with hope,there may be a chance.
Andy felt like he had to blow out a heavy breath.
Ready?Crawford asked.
No, Andy thought, but this was Devon. He didn't have a choice. He'd have to do whatever it took.Yes.
Then follow me.
Andy felt Crawford move, so he concentrated on trailing after him. He felt his own physical body slipping further and further away as his awareness moved down into Devon's body. Andy's soul shuddered. Crawford hadn't been kidding. The experience was disturbing.
But it turned out, that was only the beginning.
They dove down through colors and textures and lights that made no sense whatsoever. It looked like something out of a movie, when a character was experiencing some kind of twisted acid trip. Nothing was either up or down, and Andy felt himself stumbling along, both blind and blinded by what he saw.
Just as panic was about to set in, everything slowly began to sharpen. Shapes and colors took on definition. Small pieces of a puzzle began to click together.
Andy stopped and stared in awe.
Oh my gods. They were literally inside Devon's brain.
He was surrounded by the various folds of tissue. Saw sparks of electricity zinging all around him. Andy accidentally bumped into something and heard Devon cry out in pain.
Shit, Andy gasped.Baby?
Devon, Crawford cut in,everything's alright. You may feel accidental touches. Try to ignore them as best you can.
Andy felt like he held his breath until he heard Devon quietly agree and drift back away.
What was that?Andy demanded.
Accidental contact is almost unavoidable, Crawford explained.But you didn't hurt him. More like it tricked his brain into thinking something hurt. He'll be fine. I promise.
Andy grumbled, but kept his thoughts to himself.Now what?
Follow me.
Andy followed along. They explored all through Devon's brain, Andy picking his way carefully, trying not to touch anything. After a few moments, he found worry giving way to awe.This is insane.
He felt something like a nod come from Crawford.But his brain looks completely intact. That's a good sign. Now let's move down to the spinal cord.
Andy silently agreed, trailing after Crawford until the man's consciousness came to an abrupt stop.
My gods, Crawford gasped.
What?Andy moved closer, then felt the spiritual equivalent of his stomach dropping out as he took in the sight that greeted them.
Devon's nerves weren't just faulty. They wereshredded.
Andy moved closer, trying to take it all in. The damage was so fine, it was beyond what the naked eye could see. On a cellular level, Devon's nerves looked like a rope that had been frayed almost beyond recognition.
No wonder the signals couldn't get through.
My gods. How did he live this long?
