Traveler in the Dark

17

"Put it down,Titov. Can't you tell that it's trying to communicate?" said Spixworth as he carefully snapped and unsnapped the case latch, copying the pattern of the insect's clacks.

"You're insane, Spixworth," said Titov, still aiming the weapon.

"You know that an insect developing sentience is highly unlikely, Spixworth," Martham's voice echoed in his helmet and he scowled. "Life expectancy, oxygen levels, exoskeleton weight, nervous system function— they are all factors against it."

Spixworth sighed. "On Earth, Martham. Rules are different here. Besides, this isn't biology. This thing is metal. Manufactured. At least, I think it's manufactured. Who knows? Maybe they grow metal exoskeletons here. But the lights and patterns and the electronic hums— I'm going to take a gamble and say this is a machine."

"Say you're right," said Titov, the weapon shaking in his hand. "Say this thing's some kind of machine— a— a robot. How do you know it isn't trying to lure us into a trap? It looked like it was trying to eat you."

Spixworth hesitated, still snapping the latch in slow sequence after the insect repeated it again. "It wasn't trying to eat me. Or, I should say, if it's anything like the locust it looks like. It doesn't even have the correct mandible for that. I think those were sensors— artificial antennae. I don't think it can eat."

"So what do we do with it?" asked Liu.

Spixworth shrugged. "I don't think we do anything with it. If it is interested in us, it will continue trying to communicate."

"No, I mean, do we take it back to the Wolfinger?"

"Absolutely not," said Captain Stratton. "Are you people out of your minds? This thing is a complete unknown. Just because it can't eat you doesn't mean it isn't a threat. Where are its owners? What do they want? Why did they send it instead of meeting us themselves? You're to leave it there. If it follows you, you are to disable it."

"What?" cried Rebecca. "This is possibly an intelligent life form or the representative of one. We can't just— wound it or kill it. Aside from the moral issues that raises—"

"The only moral issue I'm concerned with is protecting my people, Emery. And if this thing gets in the way, Titov, you shoot it."

The robot was circling Spixworth, carefully prodding his suit with its tarsus. Spixworth was making it difficult, turning to inspect it himself. He, at least, seemed completely at ease.

"Aside from the moral issues," Rebecca insisted, "what kind of message does it send to others of its kind? This is our first contact. Possibly the beginning of history between our species and theirs. Injuring it might put the entire possibility of settling here at risk. Do you really want our first impression to be violent?"

"And what would you suggest, Emery?" asked Stratton. "That we roll out the red carpet and let it wander into the Wolfinger? See all our tech? Gather intelligence on our numbers?"

"For a start," said Rebecca.

"That's insanity! This thing is obviously more advanced than anything we've got aboard. One look and it will know we're no match for it."

"Then it won't feel threatened by us."

"That doesn't strengthen your argument."

"Look," sighed Rebecca, "We aren't here to conquer the planet. We couldn't even if we tried. There are too few of us and in too desperate a state. We can't hope to compete with an intelligent, organized society that knows every hiding place, every tactical advantage, every supply source. We're here because we need help. If whatever made this thing chooses to drive us away, we have no real choice except to go. And if we seem to be a threat, they are going to run us out. That's how it works. Our best bet is to show them we are peaceful, that we respect them and that we truly need their mercy. This is not a military situation, Captain. It's a refugee crisis. At best."

Titov's hand sagged. He put his sidearm away. "She's right," he said.

"And if this thing kills us?" asked Stratton.

"We all knew it could be a one-way trip," said Liu. "If there's a chance it could save the people on the Keseburg, shouldn't we take it? We're dying up there anyway."

The feed fell silent. The insect was looking at them, swiveling its head to turn its massive eyes on each.

"Oxwell," said Stratton, "what about bacterial agents?"

"Spixworth said it is inorganic. It can pass through the decontamination process like the rest of us."

Stratton sighed. "Okay, Emery, I guess you've had your significant find. Bring it back if it will come."

Spixworth handed the case back to Rebecca. Titov and Liu began heading back toward the ship, turning to look back every so often. Rebecca crossed her arms. "How do we do this?"

"Some insects leave pheromones to signal trails to important locations. Others use special movements or sounds. But I don't know what this species does. Or even if it was made by an insect species. I'm interpreting its behavior that way because it is what I'm familiar with, but truly, your guess is as good as mine." Spixworth smiled. "Probably better, actually."

Rebecca thought a moment and shrugged. She reached both hands around its bottom leg and tugged. It didn't budge, but the insect's large eyes tilted down at her. The head swooped down and maxillae tapped rapidly against the glass of her helmet. She struggled not to flinch. The head retreated and it moved its leg in the direction she had tugged. She took a step back. Spixworth followed. She stopped to tug again and then turned and began walking toward the river. The insect waited for a moment and then skittered quickly to them as she turned to look at it. Satisfied that it got the message, she and Spixworth made their way back to the Wolfinger.