Day 3 MM: The Nature of Sentience

[Galen Sol]

Galen simply watched, curious as to what they'd learn.

[V1-V0]

"Analysing . . . "

There were several whirrs and clunks as the droid processed the data its medical equipment was giving it.

"Preliminary results are such. The individual brains on the killik drones are devoted to basic life support functions. All higher function is distributed throughout the hive. It is sensible to derive that the more killiks that are present then the more capacity the hive has for higher function. Simply put the larger the hive is, then the more intelligent it can be."

It indicated a Joiner corpse.

"The Joiners have been through some physiological changes. There are additional growths and synapses in the brain that probably cause the strange blackness of the eyes. They also appear to shut down the parts of the brain responsible for autonomy and self identity. Effectively their previous ego has been wiped and they now serve the hive. This is only a basic assessment. I still recommend engaging a scholar skilled in insect physiology for a full analysis."

It then beeped.

"Please wait. Further analysis pending."

[Galen Sol]

"That already doesn't sound good." Galen frowned.

[V1-V0]

V1 beeped again.

"Analysis complete. The Joiner synaptic changes are irreversible. The growths destroy previous tissue rendering return to original function impossible. There is insufficient evidence to say which corpses joined freely and which were forced to do so. Without prior knowledge of which way they joined, this unit cannot distinguish their remains."

It turned to Baesal.

"There is anecdotal evidence in the general data I have about Alderaan of some Joiners having more autonomy than others but this unit has not found any evidence of that here. Without scientific fact this unit dismisses the anecdotal evidence as unproven. These insects are a danger to the continuing peaceful existence of this planet if they are permitted to increase in size and continue their belligerent territory expansions."

[Galen Sol]

"There could be some variance from hive to hive, too." Galen suggested. "But, this doesn't sound hopeful overall."

[Baesal Zyn]

''This is not the end...The Force is a strong ally and can change the fate of civilizations'' she noted ''I will see what I can do with this information.''

[V1-V0]

Veeone stared at Baesal . . . . or just looked in that direction. It was hard to tell with an unmoving metal face.

"If this Hive is left in this state it is going to attract scavengers and carrion beasts. Burning is recommended."

[Baesal Zyn]

''Carrions was a concern I had but we could still find a few things down here'' she commented ''At any rate this will be House Syrush's problem to deal with''

[Galen Sol]

"Insects will come first." Galen said. "They've probably already started."

[Baesal Zyn]

''Ironic?'' she puzzled

[Galen Sol]

"Nature." he shrugged. "And, irony."