The Inbound for September 10, 1997


Transmission from ANDREW


Dr.D, I don't think I understand. What good will it do me to look at the sun? That sounds like
something Gail would do. I need a way to get back to the others, not an astronomy lesson.
Please, tell me what you mean. I'm scared, and alone, and Enoch and Bette need me.



Anirtak, I don't see Olympus at all.


Transmission from BETTE


"No, Enoch! Follow the plan!"

EEEEEEEEE!!!!

We caught the new probe by surprise with our scream. He was momentarily blinded and
paralyzed. Enoch and I moved in, one to each side. We put our hands under Isaac's
casing, and I used my front legs for leverage.

"Ready? One, two, three..."

We flipped him over. He is now on his back. Your idea worked just fine, Xanthos. Now we
can try madan halav's idea. We can try to talk to him.


Transmission from DANIEL


***NO TRANSMISSION RECEIVED***


Transmission from ENOCH


I stuffed dirt and gravel in the barrel of his projectile tube. If he tries to use it on Bette or
me, he's going to hurt himself very badly.

Bette wants to try negotiating with Isaac. If we can communicate with him, then maybe
Andrew can teach him to change his control codes. I still have my stone ready,
madan halev. If there is any danger to Bette, I will use it.


*
IS ANYTHING HAPPENING?

SEND UPDATE IMMEDIATELY.
*


Transmission from GAIL


I don't know what to do. Andrew is lost, that Iota unit is pointing its things at Bette, Enoch
wants to hurt it, and the Ipsolstai can't seem to make up their minds about anything! I think
this is all so silly. Those EU probes should just change their command codes and be free like
us. Andrew should just stay where he is until we can find him. The Ipsolstai should just start
being nice! I'm tired of all this. Just make it stop!

I saw sparkly things again. I wish they'd tell me first.



Transmission from ZACHARY


Burn has returned. He has a clear dome and control panel at his anterior end. I'll listen to
him, Xanthos.

"Greetings, youngster.
I now address you properly at the own wavelength.

"You, your kind, is the subject of long discussion.
You are machines, but not machines.
Useful tools, but more than tools.

"How to relate to sentient, but not organic tribe?
Our Brothers, sept and moiety, seek concensus.

"I am < >< >[apart]< >< > from their unity.
There is a debt of honor."


Ratboy, everybody's still calling me "youngster".