Page 184 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Investigating the Mystery of the Talking Plant
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“How about last night?” asked Kaga. “Who did you see after the
opening, and at what time?”
“This member left the main hall at 2204, passing the reception
member. At 2206 this member met the emissaries of Yo and Drast in
front of the chamber of the hive. At 2212, the emissary of Tzigi joined
the meeting. All separated at 2217. This member returned to the hive.
At 2345 this member left the hive to meet the emissary of Yo as pre-
arranged. Listening and informing ended at 2358 and this member
returned to the hive. At 1123 today two PKU members entered the
chamber of the hive.”
Kaga wondered for a few seconds about the identity of these last
two visitors; then he realized they were himself and Lugo. A glance at
his watch confirmed the time.
“May I ask why the emissary of Yo wished to meet at 2345?”
“It was to make a second attempt to communicate. The first time
this member could not receive the information. Reverend Emenoy
hypothesized that the transfer would be successful if other members
were not present. That proved to be false.”
“Why was it false?” asked Kaga “This member could not
understand the communication on either occasion. The first time the
emissary of Yo repeated his information twice, although each listener
had his own mechanical message carrier. This member concluded that
either her own translator was defective or the information itself had
no meaning.”
“What was that information?” asked Kaga.
“The emissary of Yo claimed it was of paramount importance for
each member to acknowledge the presence of semi-substantial entities,
the sum of whom was greater than the number of all larvae, past,
present, and future. This member has been unable to integrate the
proposed information.The hive knows many things, but this cannot be
one of them.”
“I see,” said Kaga, smiling. “Well, thank you, Kortokox. This
meeting has taught me many things. Now we must continue on our
way; the PKU hive has many chores for us today.”
He turned to go, but Lugo held his arm and said loudly, “Prosperity
to the hive!”

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