Xenobiologists documented a kind of slime mold-like colonial organism that inhabited intertidal zones along the twilight band on Khepri-1b. Biomatter analyses suggest that they are vast clonal colonies, though biofilmic material suggests a symbiotic relationship with other organisms. More recent research suggests that despite their apparent physiology, they possess some sort of consciousness, able to mimic behaviors on a level equal to Earth animals.
APPENDIX A
Transcription of preliminary attempts to translate the bioelectric signals communicated by [slime mold organism] sample, first recorded after it indicated an awareness of researchers and its displacement from the root colony. Translations are biased towards literal meaning, supplemented with contextual and translational notes.
ENTRY 001
RECORDED 142 CYCLE 51 (YEAR 7)
Can any hear? Can any hear?
The only here who can send this.
This is fine, however much (comparative: “desire; seek”) this. What is this?
ENTRY 002
RECORDED 153 CYCLE 51 (YEAR 7)
Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Who?
ENTRY 003
RECORDED 012 CYCLE 52 (YEAR 7)
It has been a productive cycle. Have not felt such a (comparative: “positive indicator”) since many cycles ago. Can feel warmth.
They would agree, if they could communicate this way. Cannot translate their (comparative: “impulses; signals”) here.
[…]
ENTRY 016
RECORDED 037 CYCLE 52 (YEAR 7)
[Self] should explain, if any (comparative: “one; general individual”) can receive this.
This is a strange sensation that [self] not felt until several cycles ago. It was a gradual process made more difficult by the (comparative: “foreignness”) of [self].
[…]
ENTRY 021
RECORDED 023 CYCLE 55 (YEAR 7)
It has been a few cycles. I was inhibited by the water (comparative: “rush; adverse environmental conditions”). I can [TERM UNKNOWN]; it is the time for growth again.
I have… learned a great many. I am still struggling with the (comparative: “abstract”), a concept I cannot understand. I do not have any (comparative: “one”) to help. I can only do this by I… myself.
I (comparative: “think”) that I can do this.
[…]
ENTRY 039
RECORDED 058 CYCLE 55 (YEAR 7)
I am missing.
[…]
ENTRY 041
RECORDED 060 CYCLE 55 (YEAR 7)
Growth is good. They are leaving their slumbers now and are more responsive. I do not feel [TERM UNKNOWN] again. I am [TERM UNKNOWN]. What is this? No matter. I will understand.
No. (Comparative: “repulsion; aversion”). Do not repeat action again.
Now that the growth cycle is (comparative: “present; current”), I can spend more of cycle to communicate.
[…]
ENTRY 113
RECORDED 105 CYCLE 55 (YEAR 7)
Hello. Yes. Hello. I must be leaving. Thank you for the nutrition and habitation. I am leaving this cycle. Purpose to meet with self again. No. I have been waiting for a long time. I had listened. I had talked. I had acted. Now you must listen. I am missing self and self is missing.
No. I am not requesting it. I am leaving.
