Page 182 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Investigating the Mystery of the Talking Plant
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Captain Kaga said, “Okay. Now you’ve gotten my curiosity aroused.
Let’s go talk to this Kortokox.”
They entered the environment lock and waited while the gravity
lessened perceptibly and the room filled with a thick perfumed haze.
“The Jaleekans suck nectar from a pink and yellow flower,” Lugo
cautioned. “Take care not to step on any of it. Kortokox would be
greatly offended.”
Then the light flashed and they entered the inner chamber. Kaga let
Lugo lead the way; he didn’t want to risk treading on the creature’s
lunch. They threaded a narrow path along dark blue gravel between
outgrowths of Jaleekan flora, coming within three meters of a lumpy
heap of hardened mud and rocks. From within came a constant low
chatter and hum.
“Kortokox!” yelled Lugo through his Languex. “Member Lugo and
Elder Member Kaga request permission to address the hive.”
A large triangular head with glistening composite eyes poked
through an opening near the top of the structure. It surveyed them
intently for a few seconds, and then Kortokox emerged completely.
Her body was a single bulbous cone, tapering at the rear to what
looked to Kaga like a stinger. She had but two limbs; each, however,
ended in a pair of long prehensile paws. She scuttled quickly down to
ground level and twittered, “The hive sends a listener.”
“Thank you,” said Lugo. “May the larvae be numberless.”
“Strength to the hive!” replied Kortokox immediately.
“And the nectar have no horizon.” answered Lugo.
“Long life to the hive!” responded Kortokox fervently.
Lugo paused a moment, then said, “Member Kortokox, this is
Captain Kaga, elder member of the PKU hive. He did not arrive in
time for the opening last night, but he is very interested in your planet.
Perhaps you can answer a few of his questions.”
The Jaleekan cocked her head toward Luge’s companion. “The hive
has knowledge of many things,” she said.
“I have heard that gar weed is very effective in keeping things quiet
inside the hive,” said Kaga.
“That is correct. It is used in the nursery to protect the larvae from
becoming confused by complex communications passed among the
adult members. Although the basic skills in listening are instinctive,
our young must be gradually taught the higher levels of meaning.”

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