Page 53 - Jeremiah Lollipop

probably intelligence assessed, then a dish-shaped machine tuned into

the brain and sucked out what information it could find. Then the living

thing was returned.

On a screen, the Flooble viewed brief snatches of visual memory taken

from each sample. For example, most insects produced pictures of

leaves, flowers, soil and stems. A few of them remembered their

relatives being chopped to pieces by a machine that attacked grass. One

had barely escaped a swatting weapon.

The larger creatures had clearer memories. A floppy-eared animal

remembered burying a bone, a short-eared animal remembered climbing

a tree.

After the ‘sample stage’ which involved testing the protein, Floobles

went to the next step in their plan. They made friends, and offered all

sorts of nice things, if there was anything intelligent enough on the

planet to receive it. This was the clincher. Once they had the confidence

of the intelligent protein, they could start what they called “Intergalactic

Tourism” which was always popular. They promised trips to other

planets, and usually there were plenty of takers. Soon the intelligent

planetary protein was actually PAYING to be taken to the restaurants, so

it always arrived fresh, and not terrified. It was a win win situation and

the Floobles made a lot of extra cash.

The Flooble ticked a few hundred life forms off as they were

processed, then he saw the first human arrive.