The City And The Stars - Arthur C. Clarke [64]
Alvin thought this over. An idea, still vague and half-formed, was beginning to take shape in his mind. Perhaps it was inspired by pure lust for knowledge and power; when he looked back on this moment he could never be certain just what his motives were. They might be largely selfish, but they also contained some element of compassion. If he could do so, he would like to break this futile sequence, and release these creatures from their fantastic fate. He was not sure what could be done about the polyp, but it might be possible to cure the robot of his insanity, and at the same time to release its priceless, pent-up memories.
‘Are you certain,’ he said slowly, talking to the polyp but aiming his words at the robot, ‘that you are really carrying out the Master’s wishes by remaining here? He desired the world to know of his teachings, but they have been lost while you hide here in Shalmirane. It was only by chance that we discovered you, and there may be others who would like to hear the doctrine of the Great Ones.’
Hilvar glanced at him sharply, obviously uncertain of his intentions. The polyp seemed agitated, and the steady beating of its respiratory equipment faltered for a few seconds. Then it replied, in a voice not altogether under control: “We have discussed this problem for many years. But we cannot leave Shalmirane, so the world must come to us, no matter how long it takes.’
‘I have a better idea,’ said Alvin eagerly. ‘It is true that you may have to stay here in the lake, but there is no reason why your companion should not come with us. He can return whenever he wishes, or whenever you need him. Many things have changed since the Master died—things which you should know about, but which you can never understand if you stay here.’
The robot never moved, but in its agony of indecision the polyp sank completely below the surface of the lake and remained there for several minutes. Perhaps it was having a soundless argument with its colleague; several times it began to re-emerge, thought better of it, and sank into the water again. Hilvar took this opportunity to exchange a few words with Alvin.
‘I’d like to know what you are trying to do,’ he said softly, his voice half-bantering and half-serious. ‘Or don’t you know yourself?’
‘Surely,’ replied Alvin, ‘you feel sorry for these poor creatures? Don’t you think it would be a kindness to rescue them?’
‘I do, but I’ve learned enough about you to be fairly certain that altruism isn’t one of your dominant emotions. You must have some other motive.’
Alvin smiled ruefully. Even if Hilvar did not read his mind—and he had no reason to suppose that he did—he could undoubtedly read his character.
‘Your people have remarkable mental powers,’ he replied, trying to divert the conversation from dangerous ground. ‘I think they might be able to do something for the robot, if not for this animal.’ He spoke very softly, lest he be overheard. The precaution might have been a useless one, but if the robot did intercept his remarks it gave no sign of it.
Fortunately, before Hilvar could press the inquiry any further, the polyp emerged once more from the lake. In the last few minutes it had become a good deal smaller and its movements were more disorganised. Even as Alvin watched, a segment of its complex, translucent body broke away from the main bulk and then disintegrated into multitudes of smaller sections, which swiftly disappeared. The creature was beginning to break up before their eyes.
Its voice, when it spoke again, was very erratic and hard to understand.
‘Next cycle starting,’ it jerked out in a kind of fluctuating whisper. ‘Did not expect it so soon—only a few minutes left—stimulation too great—cannot hold together much longer.’
Alvin and Hilvar stared at the creature in horrified fascination. Even though the process they were watching was a natural one, it was not pleasant to watch an intelligent creature apparently in its death-throes. They also felt an obscure sense of guilt; it