As a scientist, technology of all kinds drew Jonathan like a magnet, and he’d seen a fair amount since crashing on the island, but the device in Varian’s hand was something he’d never seen before or even imagined. Superficially, it resembled a tuning fork made out of glass, or perhaps more likely some crystalline substance, and Varian simply gripped it in both hands, pointed the business end at the boy, and… sent him to sleep.

It was remarkable!

Varian explained it as a kind of sonic manipulation of matter, used for healing, but as the band of travellers continued their journey, Jonathan witnessed Varian using the device for other purposes. He shorted out electrical systems with it, melted ice, opened locks, even brought an entire underground temple crashing down, using only his thoughts focused by the device, and his own physical energy.

Yes, a remarkable piece of technology, one which Jonathan might have liked to study more closely. Not that he would ever ask Varian to allow that; the device belonged to the healer, it was useless to anyone else. But as miraculous as it was, operating it took a heavy toll on its user. Technological miracles had their drawbacks.


The End