Chapter 2.
Interlude
The early years of his life, Amon was the center of his parents’ lives. Though they had copulated frequently, they never conceived another child. To both of them this seemed to be un-natural. Each had seen from personal observation that it was common for the females of their former family to produce several offspring each. It was disconcerting as well as frustrating not being able to communicate such concerns with each other vocally, the way that Amon had begun doing. The best sounds their vocal cords could produce were little more than grunts, while their young son continued babbling, his sounds growing more and more complex.
While each of his parents had been “seeded,” neither of them had been physically modified in any way which did not contribute directly to the production of, and caring for this new race. The Seeders could just as well have placed an already fertilized egg in any female and then let the seeded offspring fend for itself in what would very quickly become an unfriendly environment. An intellectual capability such as this new race (the humans) possessed would very quickly fall into competition with that of the less intellectually developed “mother race.” Conflict would be inevitable.
The higher order primates from whom Amon’s parents were chosen, possessed significantly advanced intellectual capability in comparison to others of similar species. Additionally, each of the individuals selected for “seeding” had been under observation for some time prior to being selected.
Each of the selected were near the bottom of their group’s social hierarchy. As was common among “seeded” individuals, their reaction to their new level of self-awareness frequently exhibited itself in ways that disrupted the tranquillity of the family. Being in such a lowly position, they were less conspicuous, less likely to draw attention to themselves.
Because no physiological modifications had been made, they were forced to use their new intellectual capabilities to devise other ways of communicating. The most obvious of those was the development of sign language.
Despite his parents’ inability to speak, the three of them learned how to communicate complex ideas between each other. Amon, for his part, was able to define objects or intentions verbally very quickly. After all, it was his own language that he was developing, so his definitions met with no opposition.
His parents learned to demonstrate through what little vocalizations they possessed as well as through gestures, their understanding of what he was communicating. As any parent would do, they taught Amon the things he needed to know to survive. And more importantly, they taught him many non-instinctual reasons why survival was so important. He was the first of a new race. As such, he must survive in order to acquire knowledge. One must persevere to ensure that knowledge would not be lost. If properly used, knowledge and experience would yield wisdom. Acquisition of knowledge and wisdom was the reason for life.
The experiences and instincts which the parents possessed helped them to predict what the ‘family’ of ‘un seeded’ primates they were following would do under most circumstances. Because of its predictability, it was a reasonably safe environment in which to raise a child.
As Amon grew, his curiosity as well as his physical abilities became a concern for his parents. He needed to explore his world, to learn things for himself. His parents found it increasingly difficult to control him. Without constant supervision, he was prone to wander off, exploring some new thing or new sound.
His father was torn as to how to handle the situation. Should they let the child explore unimpeded and risk the chance of being found out? Or should they restrain him? He knew that to remain as they were would only increase the chances of being caught. Out numbered, they would most certainly be driven away, or worse. He reasoned that it would be in their best long term interest to leave the familiar security they had enjoyed until now, and venture out on their own.
Amon’s father had been instrumental in helping his human son to thrive. Now, years after his death his teachings and his patience were paying off.