Page 183 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Investigating the Mystery of the Talking Plant
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“The hive has knowledge of many things…”

“
“I see. I have also heard that a fungus grown on Tzigi has much the
same property of damping sound. Have you seen that plant here at the
Center?”
“The hive has studied this new species. It cannot grow on Jaleeka.
Therefore the hive has no further interest in it.”
“Did you—I mean, did the hive ever discuss the subject of these
plants with Bulakko, the emissary of Tzigi?”
“Yes. Bulakko listened and informed the hive twice last night. The
first occurrence was at 1938 in the exhibition hall; the second was at
2212 in front of the chamber of the hive.”
Captain Kaga’s jaw fell. “How can the hive be so certain of the
time?” he asked incredulously.
“Members of the hive can adjust their internal clock to any other,
given a brief interval to molecularize the conversion algorithm.”
“Oh.” said Captain Kaga. “That is very impressive, indeed. We
humans always have to keep time somewhere outside our intelligence.
Can you recall, for instance, the exact time and place of every meeting
or conversation you have had here on Pontenga?”
“Certainly,” said Kortokox, her unblinking stare leaving little cause
for doubt. “The hive will listen to this member upon her return. The
hive will gain knowledge of many things.”

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