Swamped

Your neck hurts, and you have a bad headache. Your throat feels dry, too.

But you'll have to wait. You're headed for the infirmary, anyhow, so if you need any help you can probably get it afterwards. What matters at the moment is the book; you quickly check your pouch and pull it out. It's a little awkward closing the pouch again, but you'll have an easier time doing it now, while you're sitting down.

You clutch the book carefully, and walk to the infirmary tent.

The medic gives you a glance.

"You feeling all right? I'm afraid I don't have much expertise on the human body, have to go by my books. Your arms don't grow back, right?"

"That's, um, right," you say. You feel a little awkward about the question.

"Just wanted to be sure. Now, you're here to see the other human in care, Yvonne tells me?"

"That's right."

"I'm Robert. Not sure how long you'll be around, but we can worry about that later. Follow me."

Robert leads you into a tent, and Captain Long is lying on a bed that's clearly too small for him. It looks like there's a big block of ice on either side of him, attached to complex machinery.

"We're keeping him cool. Do try to be quick; he shouldn't be contagious, but if you've got something, it might complicate his condition."

"Thank you, I will."

You head over to him as Robert steps out. He looks at you, his eyes weak.

"Marshall," Long says. "Wasn't expecting to see you here. I suppose Rider can't help testing his theories, though."

"Theories?"

Long slowly raises his hand and points at your book.

"He trusted you with that. He must think you can work out how to use it."

You look down at the book and open it as best you can. What are you supposed to do with this?