Freedom's Ransom Read Online Free PDF Page B

equipment?”
    â€œPoint,” Kris conceded. As if on cue, there was a tap at the door and it swung open.
    â€œI’m Eric Sachs,” the man said, peering around the door. “Back on old Earth, I used to be a dentist. I was informed that I was wanted in here.”
    â€œAh, good of you to come so quickly,” Peter said, jumping to his feet and gesturing for the man to enter.
    Aware of the scrutiny of everyone in the room, Eric Sachs moved with athletic ease toward the chair that Peter waved him to. He was of medium height, stocky build, dark hair cut close to his skull, as was the current trend on Botany, pleasant features, and brown eyes that sparkled with amused intelligence. He took the seat, facing Zainal, stretched out his legs, and folded his hands across his waist. Kris could see that the nail on his right thumb was distorted. He caught her glance and smiled at her.
    â€œIt wasn’t my patients biting me,” he said, “though some of them have. But my silly habit of holding dental X-rays in exactly the position I want. Bad case of health and safety in the workplace but useful in obtaining clearer films. I’ll probably lose more than the nail but . . .” He shrugged, philosophical over the price he would have to pay for that lack of attention to proper X-ray procedure.
    â€œThank you, Dr. Sachs,” Zainal said. “Let me ask you a few questions about some procedures which may have more than ordinary significance for us right now.”
    â€œSuch as?”
    â€œDo dentists use pure gold for gold caps or tooth replacement?”
    â€œWe use seventy-five percent or eighteen-carat gold, which expands and contracts almost identically with tooth enamel, so gold is the best material. In some of the newer procedures the range is thirty percent gold supplemented by platinum and mostly silver—nine to forty percent.”
    Zainal looked askance at Kris and she nodded, afterchecking that platinum was one of the metals that Mike had on hand.
    â€œWhat sort of equipment would you need to practice?” Peter asked. “Is it portable enough for you to set up your office where needed?”
    â€œWell, as I have currently no equipment whatever, beyond a toothpick and specula, any office will suffice. There are portable dental units. Armies travel with them,” Eric said with another easy smile. He obviously intended to enjoy this unusual interview.
    â€œWould you know where to find the equipment you would need for a working ‘office’?”
    â€œBack on Earth, you mean?” Eric leaned forward eagerly.
    â€œYes, and no. Yes, to obtain the equipment you would need, and no, not to practice back on Earth.”
    â€œWhere did you have in mind? Though we could use a facility here on Botany, with all these youngsters and oldsters needing effective dental care,” Eric replied. “I used to specialize in orthodontics.”
    Zainal looked inquiringly at Kris.
    â€œOrthodontics usually means repair work to crooked teeth and/or false ones.”
    â€œDentures, please,” Eric said with a friendly grin.
    â€œFalse ones? Dentures?” Zainal didn’t comprehend the distinction.
    â€œFor when people are required to entirely replace the ones they’ve lost to either age or caries.”
    â€œCaries?”
    â€œDental decay,” Eric replied quickly, nodding an apology at Kris. She gave him a quick flip of her fingers to accept his reply.
    â€œDental decay?” Zainal looked surprised.
    â€œDon’t you Catteni ever have tooth problems? Apart from losing the front ones in your brawls?”
    â€œThe only ones we lose are in combat,” Zainal replied. “What other way is there?”
    â€œBad bite, poor nutrition, lack of calcium, pregnancy,too much refined sugar . . .” Eric shrugged as he listed the main causes.
    â€œIf we could obtain equipment for you, would you be willing to