The Defiant by C. Gockel

Author:C. Gockel [Gockel, C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: C. Gockel

18

Escape

Planet Luddeccea

6T9 lay on his back inside Sundancer, naked from the waist up and his feet bare. Heat radiated from the ship into the soles of his feet and through his back, gently charging him. As he charged, he sifted through data delivered by the ‘bots at the World Sphere. It wasn’t the alien porn, but although 6T9 would never admit it, it was just as interesting.

Images of the xeno-archeological site were accompanied by narration by JackHAMR. “Android General 1, we must reiterate that all these observations are preliminary. However, evidence points to a highly egalitarian, communal society. Groups of non-related adults lived in shared spaces with children who appear to be related to one or more of the adults. Below living spaces were clutches of the egg-like structures. Males have been found in the clutches feeding offspring not their own. Work does not seem to have been segregated along gender lines. This might not be surprising, as aside from reproductive organs, there is very little sexual dimorphism. This is in stark contrast to humans, for whom every organ system has notable differences.

Sadly, we haven’t been able to find any evidence of autonomous robots.

In the real world, 6T9 sighed. It would have been interesting to have an alien cousin. His Q-comm sparked…the data was preliminary.

“Hissssssssss…” In the real world, there was a tickle of air in 6T9’s left ear, but he didn’t disconnect.

The download continued, Search for a “picture book” continues.

“Grrrrrr…”

The species seems to have subsisted on a completely vegetarian diet—

“Ow!” 6T9 said, sitting up and clutching his earlobe. Carl was on the floor blinking up at him innocently.

“Did you have to bite me?”

Carl began gesturing with his topmost paw pairs, the motions making his body undulate like a snake. The ether was still jammed, but 6T9’s Q-comm sparked, recognizing Interstellar Sign Language in the paw movements. Still, just to irritate the little weasel, he said, “Learning the Mambo, Carl? You’re doing it wrong.”

Springing to his feet, he punctuated the comment by dancing a few bars.

Carl smacked his paws against his face, and 6T9 cackled. “I did understand you. The ambassador needs me.” He smoothed a hand down his duct-tape pauldron. “Let me get dressed and tell you what Jack has told me about the aliens.”

Nodding enthusiastically, Carl signed, “Yes, please.”

6T9 was fully clothed and crossing what passed for a lawn, Carl hopping beside him, when his Q-comm informed him what the ambassador most likely needed to speak with him about. His head tic came back.

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