Free Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign (Worlds of the Crystal Moon, Book 1) by Phillip Jones

George.
    Shalee took a step back and waited for the altercation.
    George held up his hands. “Look … I’m sorry. I’m listening.”
    Sam took a deep breath and then turned his attention back to the statue. “I know it won’t literally come to life, George, but maybe it will produce some sort of message that will give us a few answers.”
    George rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, “At least the damn statue would be more interesting to listen to if it did wake up.”
    With Shalee on Sam’s heels, the genius circled the statue. George looked back and forth from Sam to the bronze man as he waited for the next big revelation.
    “There’s only one thing that’s not like the others,” Sam announced. “I’m sure you remember the jingle. ‘One of these things is not like the others. Can you tell which one?’”
    George’s jaw dropped. “Are you for real? Did you just sing a Sesame Street song? What the hell ... a genius singing Sesame Street? What a treat. Why would a guy with your intelligence watch such a ridiculous show? Better yet, why are you stupid enough to let us know you did?”
    The hall fell silent as Sam struggled to keep his composure. After another deep breath, he responded. “Okay, okay. It’s like this, idiot. I didn’t watch the show. I preferred the Science Channel while I was growing up. The kids who come into my office watch it while they sit in the waiting room. I’m sure you know what a medical office is. You know, a place with a 300 gallon fish tank, 60 inch flat screen for patients to watch, cozy chairs that cushion the most sensitive of asses, and actual doctors that walk the halls and converse like they have a brain.” He captured George’s eyes. “You know, a place where doctors solve complex medical issues. Oh, oh! And we’re looking for a janitor. You should apply. You can use my name as a reference. I own the joint, so I pull a lot of weight there.”
    “Ha!” George scoffed as he ignored much of Sam’s retort. “Sure, blame it on the kids. You expect me to believe you’re a doctor? I bet Big Bird will be happy to hear you’re on call. How about I tell the Cookie Monster to help you with your rounds? I bet Oscar the Grouch has a stethoscope you could borrow, and you could use it to listen to the fish.”
    George looked at Shalee. “Dr. Sam is going to save us all. My hell.” He looked back at Sam. “Make your point, Doogie Howser. What were you going to say about your stupid, little song?”
    Shalee took another step back, unsure how Sam would react to George’s assault.
    Sam clenched his fists. It took all he had not to punch George. After a second thought, he changed his mind and drilled the jerk on the upper part of his right arm. “Shut up, and stop being an ass!” he hollered.
    George grabbed his arm after landing on the floor. “Damn it, man! That freaking hurt! Sorry! Crap! Just stop already!”
    Sam turned toward the statue without saying another word. He calmed himself by taking three, deep breaths. After a minute, he continued. “Okay, okay. The statue of this man, his wolf, and the base they’re standing on, all look to be made of bronze. The one thing that’s different is this crystal ball and the dragon that cradles it.”
    Sam pointed to the orb. “Look. If you get closer, you can see the crystal has creases, almost as if it has been put together.” Sam counted the pieces. “I see five, and since the sphere is made of a different material than the rest of the statue, maybe that’s where we should focus our attention.”
    Hearing Sam’s logic, George stood and walked past him. He lifted himself onto the base of the statue, wincing from the pain in his arm. “Damn you, man. My arm almost gave out. This better not bruise, or I’ll—”
    “You’ll what?” Sam snapped.
    George stared at the fighter. It was not long before he thought better of the confrontation. He turned and looked down at the crystal. “Let’s find out if