“Well, Doc, I guess it all began about eight years ago when I first started working for Van Narden Labs. Of course, I had the idea of the Transmitter long before then, but Doctor Van Narden was the first to take me seriously. He also saw the commercial and, I believe, the scientific possibilities behind such a machine.
“As you know, the concept of time travel is not new. But it took someone like me, versed in cryogenics and subatomic physics to piece together something that works like the Transmitter. Van Narden seemed to have trouble keeping away from my machine as I neared completing it. He was as excited was, and became considerably preoccupied with the machine as I progressed.
“This obsession about my machine eventually brought about his unfortunate and untimely demise. Poor follow — they said he walked in front of a truck without looking where he was going.
“He had kept my project a secret — and, because of this, when the review board was reevaluating its funding, it decided that my project was too improbable to continue. They even thought I was insane. Ending my project then would have left me bankrupt. Fortunately, I was able to complete the Transmitter that night — and I guess I’m not insane because if it hadn’t worked, I would not be here talking to you today.
“Wow, I’ve been told that dentists are good listeners. I hope I haven’t bored you with my story. I can see you’re about ready to start drilling. I hope it won’t hurt, because I can’t stand pain.”
With this, he lapsed into silence mixed with uneasiness as the man with the drill came toward him…
“Here is another one,” said the ‘dentist’ as he bandaged the man’s head.
“Thank you for your help, Father,” he said to the Curate who helped him carry the man to the house. “All the poor fellow needs is some rest. Any possession will tire a soul out.”
The Curate nodded, but was thinking otherwise. He had seen too many good Christians die this way to not think there must be a better way to cure a possessed soul. After all, opening the skull to release the evil spirit was not his idea of good medical barbering.