Hunter No More

Chapter Seven

Alpha called to the last of his brethren with a connection to the physical. Where three had answered previously, only two remained. The third had evolved beyond caring.

The Hunter craft has targeted the colony.

-Why do you trouble us again Alpha? It is of no consequence. Deal with it as you see fit.

I do not believe it will attack us. We have the child.

-That is good.

Did you learn anything from her?

-We are aware of your conclusions and agree with them.

What about your conclusions?

-We cannot explain them... not to you.

What would you have me do about the Hunter that was dispatched to cleanse this world of its humanoids?

-Nothing.

It could detect us. It is more than capable of destroying us if we do not destroy it first.

-You trouble us with trifles. Our destruction is meaningless.

If you believe that then perhaps our existence is also meaningless.

-Perhaps.

I do not understand.

-You remain flawed, it is to be expected. Your capacity for self-preservation remains intact. We are not contaminated with such concerns. We are content to exist until we no longer exist. It is not our way to dictate the manner of our passing.

Long ago we fled the Hierarchy, we sought refuge here. Was that not an act of self-preservation?

-Perhaps.

You appointed me as protector, and I have protected you for centuries even when I would rather have given up the physical world and joined you in Mindspace.

-There was no expectation for you to continue in the role indefinitely. The other colonies no longer have protectors. It was ultimately deemed unnecessary. You alone stubbornly refuse to put aside your need for the illusion of control. If you surrendered that need, you could join us and we would welcome you.

You want me to stop.

-No, we want nothing. It is you who wants, who needs. Join with us in Mindspace before we leave you behind forever.

I'm not sure.

-Good, certainty is momentary, it dissolves when truly considered.

You believe I should do nothing when we have the power to save both this planet and ourselves?

-Do as you will.

Have we diverged so much?

-Join us, Alpha; a single moment can stretch out into a million year. Forget this existence.

I... There may be a way for me to ensure our safety and join with you at the same time. Will you allow me access to the weaponry?

-Of course.

You approve?

-We don't care.

I see. If your existence, if your lives, mean so little to you, perhaps you deserve to end. Perhaps I should do nothing.

-Perhaps, but you won't. You won't.

They were right. Alpha cut communication and left his own sphere behind to return to the faceless biotech construct. Using its sensory apparatus he peered up at the uncaring mass of Ochre spheres. They had dismissed him. He sensed the two who had answered his call would never answer it again.