Page 11 - Effable Encounters

Batrachomyomachy

or the forced migration of one of the combatant parties. No other
pond is available for us, and no substitute tree for the mice can be
perceived on the horizon. Therefore, the differences seem to be
irreconcilable.”
The general boomed a yawn.
“Of course they are, professor. That law of nature is the bedrock
upon which our domestic and foreign policies are anchored. Always
nice to have a self-evident proposition confirmed by such a respected
scientist as yourself, of course.”
“Ah, but there is the crux of the matter,” replied Lonestone. “On
the surface, frogs and mice display widely differing attributes, but
those phenotypical variations are far outweighed by their genetic
similarities. We have a lot in common under the skin, so to speak.”
“Eh?” Bullcroak’s bass hit a cello note. “What are you driving at?”
The amphibian academic swiveled his yellow eyes furtively.
“We cannot be overheard here, sir, so I feel confident in
transmitting this information to you. You may not be aware of the
latest findings in recombinant DNA; several of my colleagues are
working in this field, and some very encouraging results have been
reported. I am in touch with certain rodent researchers also engaged
in unlocking the secrets of the genetic code; I realize that such
contact is frowned upon, but there can be no doubt that the long-
range benefits from the interchange of ideas far outweigh any
immediate risks to our strategic position.”
General Bullcroak twitched, suppressing an urge to snap off
Lonestone’s head. Oblivious to his narrow escape, the latter
continued, enthusiasm mounting with every word.
“I have checked my formulae many times, and it always comes out
the same: the frouse is feasible.”
“The what?”
“Frouse, a new creature combining the best characteristics of frog
and mouse. An all-terrain organism, capable of leaping and running
and swimming and digging; able to subsist on insects or grain;
possessing all the sensory and motor equipment of both species.
And, most crucially, a being without instinctive antipathy to either of
its forebears. Frice could populate the territory between frogs and
mice, providing both a buffer and a line of communication.”

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