When I return from this awful trip, I'll have to discuss this with someone who has thought about it more than I. For now, let me move on.
During the attack by the Ryazan, we were forced to run for our lives. The others used all their limbs to run, quickly leaving me behind. They assumed that I could run using both my hands and my feet and were surprised when I explained that I could not.
In college, I remember the question being raised: why did humans evolve in their ability to walk upright? The answer that most of us agreed upon was that it allowed us to be able to carry things and use tools. I still believe this answer to be correct, but the question that none of us ever considered before is: why did we ever lose the ability to run on all fours? It's clear that animals that run on four limbs are much faster than those who run on two. Even if a superior brain allowed us an advantage, surely those with both superior brains and the ability to run on all fours would have an even greater advantage. How can evolution account for the loss of abilities that give an animal such an obvious advantage for survival?
Regardless, I was thankful that Sikaris was able to carry me on its back, or I wouldn't still be alive.
Yet I'm beginning to wonder now if I might not be better off dead. The more I learn of this world and its cruel inhabitants, the more I fear the possibility of being stranded here. It seems that even my companions fear capture by other clans so much that they all carry hidden vials of fatal poison. Prin also gave me one, which I hope I'll never have to use.
I guess that's what it all comes down to: hope. These creatures don't have any at all. Even if they survive this hunt (as they call it, although now we're the hunted), they don't have much to look forward to. They have no hope of a brighter future, just a life full of constant war, pain, and suffering. They live from day to day, pleasure to pleasure. I pity them.
I don't know if I'll have the courage to take my own life if the time comes, but for now I'm not going to dwell on it. For I, at least, still have hope. The tracker shows that the ship hasn't moved from its original location now less than five miles away.
But I digress. Another question that has plagued me is in regard to mutations. According to Prin, nearly every offspring born on this planet is a mutation from its parent. Furthermore, only about ten percent of those born alive actually survive. This is because the majority of mutations are fatal. Prin looked at me incredulously when I told him—it—that mutations are rare on Earth. Now that I'm thinking about it, I see why.
On Earth, besides being rare, nearly all mutations that we do observe are negative mutations, causing either harm, such as mental disorders, disease, or death. Very few observable mutations do not affect the survivability of the person or animal one way or another.
Only the smallest fraction of mutations on Earth is helpful in any way. So how did we evolve into such complex organisms when only the smallest number of already rare mutations is beneficial? Add to that the sheer number of mutations required to alter an animal even slightly, and it boggles the mind. Could even billions of years account for the complexity of life that we see on Earth?
In addition to the vast number of mutations on this planet, Prin also informed me that offspring here only take the equivalent of two Earth years to mature. This seems like an extremely short amount of time when compared to humans, but when I think about maturation lengths of animals, it doesn't seem so strange. It also makes sense that a clan with a shorter cycle of maturation would have a definite evolutionary advantage over a clan with a longer one. It would mean more hunters and greater numbers as well as many generations within a shorter time span. The only thing that doesn't make sense is why we humans take so long to mature when a majority of animals on Earth mature rapidly? I can understand that it might take longer to fully develop our complex brains, but why don't we mature faster physically? It seems so strange that we, who are supposed to be more highly evolved, take years to be able to run quickly when other "less evolved" animals are born running!
As confusing as this is, it still doesn't puzzle me as much as Prin's last revelation. Prin himself—itself—was so shocked by what I said that it now firmly believes that everything I've told it about Earth has been a lie. It seems that every creature on this planet is asexual. There is no male and female. No sexual intercourse or mating practices. According to my observations, these creatures simply produce offspring at various random times throughout their adult lives. It's not something they have any control or choice about. Because of this, and combined with the high mortality rate, abortion is common.
At first, I was completely nonplussed by Prin's reaction. Why is it so unbelievable to have two sexes? But I think I'm beginning to understand its reaction.
If evolution occurred as we believe, then all life began from chemicals mixing in Earth's primordial oceans. This simple life then reproduced itself, creating another life-form just like it but possibly slightly altered by mutations. If this scenario is correct, then asexual reproduction is absolutely imperative to life. How, when, and why did life suddenly diverge into two separate sexes, neither of which could produce offspring by itself? This is compounded by the fact that the female body is far more complex than the male body, which means the male body would've evolved first. But how could that be? What possible survivability advantage would a male have without a female?
After analyzing all I've learned so far on this nightmare of a world, I'm beginning to believe that the theory of evolution, as I have been taught, cannot account for life on Earth. There must be some other logical explanation for all the inconsistencies I've thus far recorded in this journal. However, as of yet, a feasible theory continues to elude me.
For now, I must sign off. Jorylk has recovered from his—her—its—abortion, and Sikaris is rousing the others. May I live long enough to record another entry.
13
Discoveries
ONCE JORYLK had recovered enough strength to walk, they set out again, moving deeper into the bowels of Mount Kiabab, their lights casting disturbing shadows on the cave walls. With Prin still farther ahead of them, Rebecca found herself walking in silence beside the ever-stoic Sikaris, lost in her thoughts.
Their surroundings did nothing to alleviate the depression caused by her turbulent emotions. The dank, humid cave grew narrower and more claustrophobic the farther they traversed.
Before long, they came upon Prin, who fell into place at the back of the group without uttering a word. As she passed the ferret alien, she felt her cheeks begin to burn in remembrance. She used to take pride in her education and knowledge, often inwardly reveling at the level of success she had achieved. Yet every time she spoke to this mutated, asymmetrical alien, she felt like a grade-school kid who had just failed a test.
Thankfully, Rysth-nuul and Tarrsk refrained from any further ridicule as they walked, moving silently through the dark. In the oppressive silence, Rebecca clenched her teeth and berated herself mentally every time her pack would scrape the wall or she would trip lightly over the uneven ground. In her mind's eye, she could picture formless, shapeless creatures coming out of the inky blackness toward them, alerted by her clumsiness.
With these dark thoughts taunting her maliciously, she nearly fulfilled her own vision when a soft yet shrill screech floated out of the darkness mere inches from her right ear. Only by biting her lower lip until it bled did she keep from crying out.
"No, Nix. I know he looks tasty, but Sikaris said no, so stop tempting me," came the monotone voice of her translator.
In her fright, Rebecca had stumbled and fallen backward against the wall. As she stared into the darkness from where the sound had originated, a "rock" began to move. A second later, Ch'ran's beady, devilish eyes and cocked head appeared before her, its small form perched on top of a boulder that rested near the side of the passage.
"How much farther did you go?" Sikaris asked.
"Not far," the small alien replied, turning to face the hunting party's leader. "Just ahead, the tunnel opens into a w
ide corridor. It is very dark. This seemed like the best place to wait. Nix thought so too."
"Good work. Rysth-nuul, you have the best vision in dark places. You take the lead."
The snake alien's body twisted in some unknown gesture, its moss green scales catching the dim light from the lanterns. "I may be able to see better than the rest of you, but the Modir will see us long before I see them, so what does it matter who goes first?"
"I know," Sikaris replied. "But we have no other choice. Just stay close to the walls and give us as much warning as you can before they attack."
Reluctantly, Rysth-nuul slithered on ahead followed by Jorylk, Sikaris, Rebecca, Tarrsk, Ch'ran, and Prin. They walked on for several long minutes before they reached the corridor, which Ch'ran had mentioned. They paused for a moment as Rysth-nuul scanned the area, searching for any signs of movement.
As they waited, Rebecca stared at the walls surrounding them and was surprised to find some markings a few feet from the floor. "Sikaris," she called softly, pointing to her discovery. "I think I may have found some kind of written message."
The alien leader followed her gaze, then moved closer to examine it.
"What is it?" Tarrsk whispered from behind.
Sikaris raised its flashlight to illuminate the odd scratches. "It is Modir writing. It marks the outer border of Modir territory. Rysth-nuul, do you see anything?"
"Nothing at all, but I would not be surprised if they have some kind of ambush or defenses just waiting for us," it said pessimistically.
"Everyone, on your guard. Let us go," Sikaris said with finality.
They stepped out into a large cavernous tunnel, the size of which caused their feeble lights to be swallowed instantly in the enveloping blackness. If she focused hard, Rebecca could just make out the cavern ceiling high above them.
The walls and floor of the huge underground passage were surprisingly smooth, making their going easy. However, they still traveled very slowly, always wary of any recesses in the walls or possible ambush points along their route.
After more than a half hour of traveling with her every sense in a heightened state of alertness, her nerves began to wear down. Only her military training allowed her to endure the crushing weight of stress. Drawing upon her former discipline, she fought to keep her mind sharp and not dwell on the possibilities that some unspeakable terror may be lurking just beyond the lantern's reach.
Then suddenly, she remembered her motion detector. Chiding herself inwardly for being a fool, she quickly withdrew the device from her pack. Activating it, she was instantly rewarded with the knowledge that nothing moved anywhere within the limit of its range, which was considerable given the openness of the cavern. Furthermore, the motion detector gave her the exact distance to the far wall and ceiling, taking away much of her fear of the unknown. Assuming, of course, that it's working correctly, she thought, her mind flashing back to the floating light from the V'skir that was the cause of her current predicament.
Deciding that the readings from the device were indeed accurate and reliable, she called out softly to Sikaris. The others immediately halted, their lanterns continually scanning the immediate area as the feline alien turned toward her. She quickly related her findings from the motion detector, once again thankful to be of some use to the group.
"Very good," Sikaris said, a rare smile spreading across its proud features. "Come closer to the front and continue monitoring at all times."
A sudden wheezing gasp from Prin caused all of them to whirl immediately around, weapons at the ready. They were caught by surprise not by the attacking Modir but by the bizarre behavior of their normally calm companion. The alien scientist was crouched over something imbedded in the floor of the cavern, three of its claws brushing and digging at the dirt excitedly while the other shined the beam of the flashlight at the object.
"This is very, very good! I cannot believe it! We found one, yes, yes!" it whispered, the excitement evident in its voice despite the muted volume. "I never thought I would be lucky enough to actually see a real one."
"A real what?" Ch'ran said, its innate curiosity instantly aroused.
"This," Prin said as it continued to remove more of the dirt and debris that covered parts of the object that seemed to be buried just under the surface of the cave floor. Sikaris, Tarrsk, Ch'ran, and Rebecca gathered around Prin as it finished its task, while Rysth-nuul and Jorylk continued to search the surrounding darkness for signs of movement. Standing up proudly, Prin backed away so that the others could have a closer look at its discovery.
On the floor in front of them lay the partially revealed skeleton of some large aquatic animal. What was visible of the remains was roughly five feet long from the points of its toothy jaw to the tip of its spiked tail. Clearly discernable were six oddly shaped appendages: two on its back and four on its underbelly. The latter were in the shape of fins yet with definite separations for fingers and toes. The two on its back, while also resembling fins, were more elongated and tubular in shape.
"That is it?" Tarrsk asked incredulously. "That is what made you so excited? A dead being? Aargh!" it said in frustration. "With all of the excitement, you would have thought he had found a way out," it mumbled to no one in particular.
"But you do not understand," Prin countered, its enthusiasm undiminished. "These are extremely rare!"
"But what is it?" Ch'ran asked in confusion. "I have never seen one of these before."
"Very few have. This being has been dead for probably millions of years!" Prin pronounced, trying with difficulty to contain itself.
"But if it has been dead for millions of years, then why have the bones not turned to dust by now?" Tarrsk asked skeptically.
Prin didn't seem to even notice the other's disdain. "Because this being's body was buried quickly, probably by a mudslide or flood. Yes, yes, a flood! Look"—Prin pointed one of its many fingers at the lower appendages—"its fins show clearly that it was in the first stages of coming out of the water. It could probably breathe air already. Yes, yes."
Moving away from the fossil, the alien scientist raised its arms in an all-encompassing gesture. "And this whole cavern was probably some big river under the mountain." As Prin spoke, it became caught up in its own tale and began acting out the entire story like an actor on a stage. "Then a part of the tunnel fell down, knocking the being into the water. Large rocks broke the dirt from the tunnel into small pieces that mixed with the water to make mud. Yes, yes. The mud caught this being as it tried to escape. It struggled to survive, but the mud dragged it under the water. Once it was dead, the mud pulled the body to the bottom where it was buried. Yes, yes. Then after millions of years, the minerals slowly replaced the bones, turning them to rock, as we see now. The river ran dry, and the Modir tunneling has brought it to the surface. This being is probably one of our earliest parents' parents' parents!"
The others, thoroughly taken aback by their companion's ravings, merely stood silent and still as Prin continued in hushed exhilaration. "Look at how the tail is spiked, just like Ch'ran and Rysth-nuul. And see how the top fins are becoming long and round? They probably evolved into Tarrsk's tentacles."
Tarrsk narrowed its eyes at Prin, its expression one of mockery. "Really? And how do you know all of this? Did you see it get buried? How do you even know it lived here? Were you there?"
"Well, no, of course not, but it is clear that it was buried because that is the only way it can become rock like this," Prin said in defense. "And the smooth surface of the ground could be the result of an underground river."
"Could be. But you do not know for sure. And tell me, how do you know it lived millions of years ago? Did it tell you? And what makes you think it was one of our parents' parents' parents?"
Prin faced its challenger head-on. "As a scientist, I make guesses based on what makes sense from what I see. Here I see a being that has many similarities with the clans in this area. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that it was our parents' parents
' parents."
Tarrsk was not daunted by Prin's response. "But there could be other explanations that fit what we see. For all we know, it was a slave that was captured in a hunt far from here. We do not even know if it had any offspring. All we know for sure is that it died! You cannot know anything. All you can do is guess."
Prin's demeanor changed at the criticism. Tiny blue sparks from its fingertips shone brightly in the dim passage as it fought with itself to contain its anger and frustration. "What do you know of science? Why do you think we scientists do not go on hunts? It is because our brains are more evolved than yours."
The alligator alien did not back down at the insult but rather broadened its chest and leaned toward the smaller creature. "I do not think it is because you have a more evolved brain but because you are a better liar and storyteller. Do not try to trick us with your stupid stories. Any fool could tell that you just made up that whole thing."
"That is enough, Tarrsk," Sikaris said firmly as it stepped in between the two of them.
"You do not understand, Griben Guts," Prin continued, ignoring the feline alien. "This is a link to our past!"
Ch'ran covered its mouth to keep from howling with laughter. "Griben Guts! That was a good one, Prin!"
"So? What good does that do us now?" Tarrsk countered. At Sikaris's warning growl, it backed away slightly. "Just one more thing, is it going to help us get out of here? No. So it is useless. A waste of time. Let us go." Ending the confrontation, the alligator alien turned away and began heading off down the tunnel.
"He is right, Prin," Sikaris said with finality. "We have already lost too much time. Come."
"I thought, at least, you would understand, but you are just as stupid as they are," it growled in disgust.
Logic's End Page 17
