"Think of the tracnid world," explained Meyer. "No open water. Harsh like you would not believe. These things are designed for survival. For recovery from mass death." Industrial Manager Thames looked bored. "Yes, Mr. Meyer, we brought them here as laborers. We know their potential. So what's your point?" Meyer smiled -- not a friendly smile. "Oh, Mr. Thames, you do not know their potential. Not at all. Yes, they can survive the hellfire and toxins of your factories. How convenient for you. But you never bothered to discover why they died when exposed to water, did you?" Thames' eyes fluttered slightly in an expression of apathetic irritation. "Well they don't die!" said Meyer. "They pupate -- divide into five separate individuals within the day. Two days later, with enough food and some open water, they find water and divide again. Water's their bottleneck, Mr. Thames. And you let a few escape on a watery jungle planet. And I don't think they like you, Mr. Thames..." |
