* * * * *
A dozen solar cycles later, the Minister of Resources interrupted all transmissions of the interstellar communications web to announce that it was true, R’Ndus IV had been severely decimated by the L’Gana virus. “It is only a matter of time,” he said, “before their entire food supply will be destroyed. R’Ndus III has also been affected, though less severely, thanks to the quick response in establishing quarantine. Even so, the food supply has been reduced by nearly half. Unless we can circumvent the effect of the L’Gana virus, it is inevitable; with four planets of the Unity already dangerously depleted, a large percentage of our people will die.”
After the broadcast, H’Juri sat for a time, resting his paws on the ground, palms up, signifying submission to the inevitable. When his brother called, he whispered, “P’Dana, my brother, is there nothing to be done?”
P’Dana gently scratched the ground with one paw, rolling a clod of dirt between his claws. “My brother,” he said at last, “let us not abandon hope. It is true the L’Gana virus is destroying R’Ndus III and IV and has already crippled I’Lian I and P’Duris VI, but our own planet will be spared the starvation.”
“It is not for us that I weep, my brother. Is there not something that can be done for our brethren who die?”
“H’Juri,” P’Dana said, digging his claws into the ground. “Do you recall the Earther interference?”
“Indeed,” H’Juri replied. “After the web technicians developed the blocking device, I have kept certain links open to receive their transmissions. I have been understanding them ever since.”
“Then, do you recall my informing you of the teeming supply of insects?” P’Dana paused long enough for H’Juri to signal his remembrance. “Perhaps we would be able to find a species that could withstand the L’Gana virus. I will be discussing this with the Chief of Ministry, shortly.”