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Log – Ygrch one.

We have arrived. Great excitement among the crew; such a myriad of colours for which we have no names has made us quite dizzy. It was tempting to exit our vehicle and take a look with our unprotected visual appendages. However, sanity prevailed when the Medical Officer pointed out that the gasses seething around this planet would most likely be inimical to our health – perhaps even suddenly so. Samples are currently being analysed.

Our mission is to determine if intelligence exists here, and, if it does, we are to attempt to make contact. It has been so lonely for our kind, isolated as we have been by our own superior intellect for so long.

Log – Ygrch two.

Our second pass over the planetary surface has revealed even more surprises; parts of this world seem more (or less!) solid than others. Large bodies of liquid – samples of which are under analysis – appear to cover much of the surface. Several objects have been observed on the surfaces of these liquid masses, apparently moving with purpose as opposed to random chance.

Observations indicate that these objects are not of themselves biological, raising questions concerning our assumption that intelligent life is likely to be found in a species who's life-form shares similar biological roots to our own.

However, it is upon the more solid masses that we have noted the most promising signs that we are, after all, not alone in the universe.

Structures rise in clusters. We are almost unanimously convinced that they are not naturally occurring phenomena – with the exception of our main Spiritual Advisor, who claims that we cannot hope to understand the mysteries of creation. Yet there is something compellingly suggestive of gathering places about these structures that convinces me that we should engage in further study.

Log – Ygrch three.

We have found a place close to an area where the strange structures noted before are densely packed. This place is pleasant, the colours restful, and a much smaller body of liquid crosses it in a meandering rather than a straight fashion. Analysis has shown that this liquid, although similar to the larger liquid masses examined earlier, has characteristics of its own.

Closer observation of the structures themselves has revealed apertures. Yes! These openings act as access and egress to and from the structures, for we have seen beings entering and leaving at intervals.

(Note: Our Spiritual Advisor is still not convinced that this is any more than a display of opportunistic behaviour – e.g. a lesser being making use of a natural feature or the edifices created by a superior race in order to gain shelter.)

Log – Ygrch four.

There can be no doubt now that life is abundant here; we have taken note of over 147 interesting forms. Most of these are clearly not the intelligent life form that we seek. Three forms, however, appear with sufficient regularity to engage our deeper interest. (Note: Our Spiritual Advisor believes that we are searching in the wrong place. He argues that we should seek intelligence in the larger, liquid areas, for, as they form the greater part of the planetary surface, the concentration of intelligent life is most likely to be found there.)

The first life form we observed seemed somewhat perpendicular in shape, perambulating awkwardly on two dangling appendages. A vaguely spherical blob perched precariously on a fragile tubular construction, which connected it to the rest of the body. At first glance, the strange, fabric coverings appeared to indicate that some intelligence must have been required in their making, yet these beings habitually moved around without any discernable purpose. (Even Our Spiritual Advisor agrees that this species does not display any real evidence of intellect.)

The second two are less easy to distinguish. Both move swiftly and efficiently, their horizontal forms propelled along by four extremely stabilising appendages. Similarly, their natural warm coverings are serviceable and practical.

It has been proposed – and shown – by our Medical Officer that the perpendicular beings serve the horizontal ones, attending to their needs; bathing them, cleaning their coverings and preparing their meals. It seems conclusive that the perpendicular beings are dull beasts of burden, and the two species of horizontal creatures are their masters. We are in a quandary; which of these beings do we approach first? We would not wish to offend the dominant species by first making contact with a (possibly) lesser one.

Certainly, the smaller species, which appears to be more numerous and agile, struts around the spaces surrounding the structures proudly as if patrolling territory. This may be the indication we need.

Log – Ygrch five.

Further observations have proved us to be quite wrong concerning the dominant, intelligent species foremost on this planet. How could we have been so stupid? As Captain and head of the expedition, it should have been obvious to me. I am in charge here, so I give the orders, which my crew then obey. Therefore, the beings in charge here will also be the ones who give the orders. What a simple piece of deductive reasoning!

The smaller, horizontal beings, although clearly quick and alert, are seldom , if ever, heard to make demands. It is likely, then, that they are not in command.

The larger species of horizontally inclined beings, conversely, frequently communicates with the perpendicular types through a series of short, sharp commands. Unfortunately, simple as these commands seem to be, we have repeatedly seen evidence that they must be issued several times before the stupid, blundering under-species understands sufficiently to obey.

Our Spiritual Advisor has been much struck by the fact that, in order to ensure that members of the dim-witted perpendicular species go where they are supposed to, the dominant species often has to actually drag them there on the end of some kind of tether!

We are, nevertheless, convinced that the species, which we consider to be the dominant one here, is likely to be well disposed and friendly. The Medical Officer has made a convincing case in their favour; He has noted with interest that this dominant species displays kindness to the smaller perpendiculars (he takes these to be the young of this under-species), frequently allowing them to indulge in playful activities, and even encouraging them in this amusing form of education.

So it has been decided; when the next bright time arrives in this segment of the planet, we will make our first open approach. How wonderful it will be to finally meet another species with whom to discuss the mysteries of the universe. Our Spiritual Advisor is excited at the prospect of being able to instruct another species on Creation Politics, and the love and mercy of The Great Creator, possibly even converting new believers to the true path.

As for me, I am already rehearsing what I will say to our newfound, four appendaged, horizontal friends...

Comments

Excellent, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. How well Janis seems to portray the human race and what a wonderful surprise ending as well.
Please, please, tell us what happened when they made their landing and met their newfound, four appendaged, horizontal friends.
Pauline Street

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