A Bad Hair Day

Companion and Host

Companion and Host

“Let’s see why they wanted this thing destroyed.”

JJ placed the small silver case on the floor in front of him. It was locked, but he had skills; within moments, it opened with a click. Disappointment surfaced on his face as he stared at the contents. Three-quarters of the case was occupied by some sort of transparent gel with thin tubes leading to or from it from under a handbook, which also concealed a small screen and keypad and which filled the last quarter of the case. JJ picked up the book, opened it, and read at random:

…The Companion and the Host are best introduced slowly so that they can bond and build up a strong telepathic link...

…as yet, no problems have been encountered in any of the short-term test subjects, and full separation can be made up to 72 hours afterwards without any problems. The Host has only to place one hand back into the holding area (see Fig. 4), and the switch (see Fig. 5) will cause the Companion to leave the Host, pour itself back into the storage area, and re-enter its original dormant state…

...Camouflage can be obtained with just a thought as the Companion can manipulate the body characteristics of the Host to protect the Host from danger… as the protection, health, and safety of the Host is the Companion’s major concern… As with any fixed parasite, it will only survive as long as its Host does. The Companion is believed to be intelligent in its own way, so everything in its power can at times be quite inventive…

…Fig. 12 shows the skin-blend process…

…The stated subject, which will now be called the Host, need not be concerned with the nourishment needs of the Companion, as the Companion will take for itself what it needs. This will normally not be noticed as long as a varied diet is followed, but extra nourishment can be added to the body by the use of multi-vitamins in the form of tablets obtainable from any drug store…

…One of the essential alkaloids it needs to function at its peak is theobromine, and this must be added to any diet. The easiest form this substance can be found in is chocolate…

…The starting process is both fast and simple. The future Host undresses and places one hand in the holding area (see Fig. 4) and switches off the holding control (see Fig. 5)...

…rest for several hours is recommended as the process is…