Bennett Davlin's Memory

(Written by Bennett Joshua Davlin in chapter 4 of his novel: Mem-(o)ré)

“What was Terrel doing down there?” he asked.

Deepra shrugged.

“Probably no chance of getting him shipped stateside.”

“He’s herniating into the medulla oblongata,” Deepra didn’t need to say more. The medulla oblongata controlled involuntary respiration. If crushed or severely damaged, a patient would stop breathing. Dead in 24 hours was the best prognosis, thought Taylor. Then Deepra added, “Besides, Customs’ll never clear him into the country.”

They sat in silence, staring at the scans.

“So,” Deepra slapped his hands like a drum roll against the desk, ”your answer is?”

Taylor shrugged, …