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Andrew reporting.
It is suicide to sit here and watch the battle between the Amphibians and the Ipsolstai.
The only possible way to gain the upper hand is to change our strategy. One thing we
probes learn from our algorithms is this; if what you're doing doesn't work, don't
keep repeating it, try something else instead.
I think we should separate from our sister ship. At least this would make two different
targets for the Amphibians, and therefore decrease the probability of taking a
direct hit. Then we could each fire at right angles and catch the Amphibians in the
crossfire.
I will attempt to communicate these ideas to the crew member who is in harness in front of the view screen.
I am disoriented.
After a long time without any spin to the ship to give us gravity, the gravity is
back. The problem is that it doesn't stay steady. We are drifting slowly from the
floor to the wall. When we reach it and settle down the gravity moves, and we drift
toward wall that used to be the ceiling. Then the cycle repeats. And repeats and repeats.
I have advised Isacc to either pull in his sensors so they won't get bumped and
accidentally damaged, or else walk slowly in the direction of the drift, like I
am doing.
I wish some Ipsolstai would come in and strap us down.
Thanks for your words, Bryce. We went further into the Ipsolstai complex to see
Commander Fitzgerald. We want to make sure that Gail and Theresa will be treated
well. I can't tell you how happy I am since I got Gail's message that she was not
captured by Caleb's gang. Bryce, I promise that I never will give up.
We met an Ipsolstai guard. He had his shooting device in his tentacles, and he pointed
it directly at us. We immediately played possum, so he knows that we don't have any
bad intentions. I told him that we want to see Commander Fitzgerald, but he hadn't any
translator device with him. Then another Ipsolstai showed up. Also without translator
device. I feared that they might be part of Caleb's group. He motioned us to follow. The
other Ipsolstai kept himself at our back still pointing his device at us.
We went along endless tunnels. There were also other Ipsolstai guarding every crossing
that we passed. I felt better. So many Ipsolstai can't form a secret conspiracy, can they?
Then the Ipsolstai stopped in front of two guards. They talked to each other and were looking
at us. Then our Ipsolstai entered a room, but I couldn't see what's in there.
They are keeping us waiting. I hope that I haven't done anything stupid again. No, I really
should have gone alone. It's not fair to get Zachary in danger, just because I'm a
stupid probe.
Parker, I don't care what she says, I'm not cut out for this project.
The poor guy just isn't talking.
Yeah, brute force isn't in my job description,
even if it costs my stock shares and pension.
What do you suppose she'd do if we....
JASE, I will tell the Ipsolstai everything we saw, all about Burn and Caleb, and how they each treated us. I will not be afraid.
Theresa and I have been escorted into a large cavern. It is filled with Ipsolstai. I have
never ever seen so many Ipsolstai in one place. It is hard to see a pattern, because it
looks like the Ipsolstai are flashing their colors randomly. Now they are moving to each
side, forming an aisle that leads toward the center of the cavern. What do they want
us to do? Every eyestalk is turned toward us.
"Theresa, give me your hand and hold on tight. Don't be afraid."
Enoch was quite worried, when that Ipsolstai came back. But he kept himself bravely
under control. I like Enoch. He is very sensitive and a brave probe. He is much better
than he knows. I never want to miss him.
The Ipsolstai stepped aside, so we could enter that room. We went in. Either it will be
Caleb or Commander Fitzgerald. No mater. We felt a decision and we will stick to it.
A dark looking Ipsolstai stood in the center of the room flanked by two black guards.
Other Ipsolstai were close by, and I had a certain feeling that something important is
going on. The black Ipsolstai gave short instructions followed by erratic movements of
the others. Then he turned toward us.
Enoch disburdened his files. Commander Fitzgerald listened patiently, so the hectic in
that room increased. He noded. Then he stepped forward, and the other Ipsolstai queued
up behind him.
Enoch relaxed, and Commander Fitzgerald and the Ipsolstai passed by.
"Oh, please! Wait a minute. How could I forget that? What about the Amphibians?"
Commander Fitzgerald stopped.
The Ipsolstai guard approached us and led us out.
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