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Andrew reporting.
Koala, that is an interesting observation that you have made about a possible linkage
between the Amphibian ships. I immediately went to the view screen to examine the display,
but I am unable to detect any link. I asked Bette to bring up the picture from her memory
storage. The links show clearly on this picture. I am now investigating possible
reasons for the discrepancy in our data.
This is highly speculatory, but Bette had definitely undergone modification when the
Ipsolstai gathered her as a laboratory specimen at our first contact with them. When she
was returned to us, there was a blob of metal/not metal substance immdiately adjacent
to her CPU. We were unable to determine its function.
I wonder if her sensorium was somehow enhanced?
I am unable to open her casing and examine her in the absence of ship's gravity.
She is too hard to catch.
"Andrew, you stop that! Leave my casing alone! I told you before that I'm just fine!"
He could have asked. Andrew is just too methodical sometimes. Doesn't he realize
what a dangerous predicament we are in?
I think the Guardian-of-Younger-Nestbrothers has taken a direct hit from the Amphibians.
There was a big jolt, and the ship vibrated for a long time. Then, doors slammed shut.
I have no way of estimating the damage, but our air pressure dropped. It is now 0.63 of
the previous level. Of course, that doesn't affect us probes. All we can do is wait.
Bryce, what a terrible situation! I want to let you know that we are all behind you
in your struggle with the cruel and evil dictator. I wish I had some way to help you,
but we are too far away. Ask Gail how to contact Brunel-Brauer GmbH; I think they
also manufacture weapons systems.
Elder Brother and I went back to the cave. Elder Brother changed something at the
caterpillar, so it can climb down better. Bryce, I didn't talk much. I was thinking
about Gail and Theresa most of the time.
I can't tell you what a coward of a probe I am. Bryce, I'm not worth recycling. Do you
know what? I'm just big-mouthed scrap that is moving. That's what I am. Scrap metal!
Simply scrap! But that's not all. No, I'm also the worst kind of scrap that you can find
in the whole universe, because I'm also talking scrap. Bryce, do you know what I was
pretending? I was pretending that I'm the big hero, who found Jose's cave. That I'm the
big hero, who was negotiating with the Ipsolstai. That I'm the big hero fixing Andrew.
That I'm the big hero flying a vehicle. That I'm ..., I'm .., I'm. I'm Enoch, the big bluff!!
Bryce, believe me, any other probe could have done all that. Truly. But no other probe
would ever run away if another probe is in danger. No other probe would have ever
been immobile and unable to help Gail and Theresa. No other probe would have ever
left them on their own. No other probe would have let them be taken by that Ipsolstai
gang. No other probe ever. Except of me. I'm not even scrap. Don't use me as spare
parts. I'm a failure. Just throw me away.
Koala, thanks for your words, but I don't want to be myself anymore.
As the Ipsolstai flying craft lifted off, I could see my friends below. They had
their sensors raised, following Theresa and me , and I knew they were very worried.
I do not know why we have been singled out to be abducted like this.
Theresa is not upset, she is enjoying the experience of flying. Of course she is too
young to understand the seriousness of our situation. She has observed the control
system and the techniques that the pilot uses. Twice now, she has asked to be allowed
to pilot the craft.
"Theresa, behave yourself and don't bother the Ipsolstai. Come over here and try to
make yourself inconspicuous. It might even be a good idea to play possum."
The flying craft went a short distance up the Big Canyon. It dropped low, and veered
into a side canyon. I thought we were going to smash into a wall, but at the last minute,
a section of the wall slid to one side, and we entered a big cave. I could see several
other flying craft, but they were not in use.
Theresa and I were taken deep into the tunnel system. I kept careful data on our
progress. I calculate that we are now 0.221 km below the Mars surface, and 3.27 km
NW of the place where we left Enoch and Elder Brother.
I am being as brave as I can, Koala. But I can't help wondering how our probe
society would have turned out if we had been able to continue without interference.
Please continue to advise the other probes after I am gone.
Enoch is coming down with the caterpillar vehicle. I look at him. He is very quiet.
"Don't feel so bad, Enoch. It's not your fault, believe me. You had no chance to help.
No one could have done better."
He didn't listen. He is constantly repeating that he is a failure and that he sold out
Gail and Theresa to get away. He feels so guilty. Poor Enoch. I'm sorry too, but how
can I help him?
"Come on Enoch. Let's shoot an image of you. You are still our big hero."
I'll send you that image. Bryce, Enoch looks very unstable, doesn't he?
He said that it's always good to leave a picture behind. What does he mean by that?
"Enoch, Gail's Inbound is at Stage One relay! She's all right! We can still make
contact with her."
"Gail, can you hear us? Please report!"
What about Commander Fitzgerald? Should'nt we get in contact with him?
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