Page 119 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Fasting the Plastiphage

ground, dormant seeds began to sprout and vegetation returned. But
we had no means of regenerating ourselves. We were doomed to
extinction once the environment reverted to normal.”
The Plastiphage heaved a sigh, air puffing noisily from beneath
loose flaps of mottled greenish skin. “All the plastic in the lowlands
had been consumed, and most of our population dead, by the time the
humans arrived. I was in the last small band of survivors scouring the
mountains for plastic gleanings. One by one my companions dropped
by the wayside, starved to death. We were afraid of the humans, and
kept far removed from their expanding settlements. Finally I was the
only one left, and there was no more plastic to be found. I became
delirious and wandered into a human area one night. There, to my
amazement and relief, I found a piece of plastic. From that point on,
you must surely know my history.”
“I do, indeed,” said Captain Kaga. “But why are you ill? And why
did you pretend not to be intelligent?”
“I don’t know why I can no longer process the plastic these humans
give me. Maybe you can figure it out. The human I injured had some
instruments with him that I probably mistook for weapons. That is
the reason for my silence: I feared you would kill me if you discovered
that I was not a dumb animal. It is only because they are letting you
starve me that I talked. I cannot count on their protection any longer;
they are afraid and you are not. You must help me.”
Kaga looked back at the priests waiting anxiously above the pit. He
adjusted the Languex back to Burdleim and said, “I can help your god,
but first I must return to examine the other PKU officer.”
Then he turned again to the creature, resetting the Languex. “I will
be back shortly with the solution to your problem. I will not be long.
In my absence, do not eat any plastic, should it be offered. Just relax.”
He went back to the Hierotechs, beckoning to Stimgage as he
climbed laboriously up to the mezzanine. “Please do not give any
plastikons to that creature” Kaga told him. “It would definitely be
fatal if it were to eat anything. The fast must continue a little longer.
Please be patient. I’ll return soon.”
He did not wait for a reply, but pushed past the group of muttering
priests and made his way through the dank corridors to Lugo’s room.
His wounded comrade had regained consciousness and was trying to
sit up when Kaga entered.
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