Colony by Lori Beery

Author:Lori Beery [Beery, Lori]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-17T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

“What theory?” asked Dr. Locus, giving me his full attention.

“As you said, this is not Earth,” I began. “It is a mistake to think this bird is like a bird from Earth.” I spent the next half hour describing the bird as an intelligent creature intent upon reclaiming its home. The doctor listened attentively to me. He nodded at my points, apparently accepting my reasoning.

“Do you think this bird can communicate?” he inquired when I finished.

“It might be possible,” I said, “but I don’t know how it would. For all I know, it could be telepathic.”

Dr. Locus raised an eyebrow at my suggestion. “Actually, that would bypass any anatomical limitation I would have presented,” he told me with his blue eyes dancing. “How do you think it might proceed to communicate with us?” he asked.

“Well, if the bird were me, I would select a person to approach,” I replied. “At the moment, only the members of the guard are available to approach one-on-one. No one else is spending time outside the mountain.”

“And no one is going to spend time outside the mountain alone,” announced X-tee as he glared at me.

“Of course not, Sir,” I quickly added. “But that leaves the creature with only the guard. I don’t know how it could get close enough to communicate without endangering itself. It’s possible it doesn’t know how dangerous we are. It might swoop in and snatch a guard off the rooftop during the night. Or perhaps, it might lead someone off alone. Without more information, I’m just guessing.”

“Still, I wonder how we might test the telepathic idea,” said Dr. Locus. “I’ll look into it after I get the image sets into the hands of the elders and Ross.”

The doctor and Lloyd returned their attention to the display. They proceeded to make the necessary copies to send to all the stated recipients. Their activity felt very much like a dismissal.

“I have duty up on the roof tonight,” I told the room in general. “I’m going to get some food and turn in.”

“Very responsible,” murmured X-tee. “Mind if I join you?”

“Not at all,” I replied.

With that, we walked in companionable silence to our commons. The place was practically empty when we arrived. Thankfully, there was food still available.

After heaping our plates, we made our way to a table. Although we had our choice of places, we selected a table with a view of the room. I cracked a smile as both of us choose to sit in the adjacent seats that put our backs to the wall and hid us from the entry into the commons. The placement allowed us to see anyone coming in but required someone trying to find us to enter all the way into the commons before they could see us.

“Was there something you wished to say to me in private?” I asked him, feeling a little self-conscience.

He looked at me with his eyes widening in surprise. “Yes, I do,” he assured me after he swallowed his mouthful. “Do

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