The narrative follows Richel Alsint, a plant psychologist aboard a tag ship tasked with exploring uncharted planets. The story begins with Alsint nearly missing his ship due to a malfunctioning watch, which raises suspicions about potential sabotage. As he navigates the complexities of life on the ship, he grapples with the unique plant-machine hybrid he is responsible for, which is designed to provide food for the crew during their long journeys. As the plot unfolds, Alsint becomes increasingly aware of a conspiracy against him. He suspects that someone on the ship is trying to undermine his work and possibly harm him. His interactions with the crew, particularly with Larienne, reveal a mix of camaraderie and tension, as she struggles to understand the intricacies of the plant he manages. The crew's disdain for his meticulous care of the plant becomes evident, as they prefer a more reckless approach to their food supply. The tension escalates when Alsint experiences a series of near-fatal incidents, including an electrical shock from a sabotaged control panel. He begins to suspect that the crew is conspiring against him, motivated by a desire to rid themselves of his meticulousness and the burden of the plant's care. Despite his growing paranoia, he remains determined to prove the viability of his plant, which he believes is crucial for the ship's long-term survival. As the ship continues its mission, Alsint's fears materialize when he is marooned on an uninhabited planet after a gas attack orchestrated by the crew. Left with a miniature version of his plant machine, he contemplates his fate and the betrayal he has faced. However, he encounters a mysterious red bird that seems to possess knowledge of his situation and hints at a larger history of plant mechanics who have faced similar challenges. The bird reveals that it is a messenger for a group of plant mechanics who have been marooned before and have learned to adapt and thrive on various planets. It offers Alsint hope, suggesting that he can rebuild and create a new life. The narrative culminates in a surreal moment when a giant, abstract figure descends from the sky, symbolizing a new beginning and the potential for a different kind of existence. Ultimately, the story explores themes of isolation, betrayal, and the struggle for survival in a mechanized world, while also hinting at the possibility of connection and understanding through the natural world. Alsint's journey reflects the tension between human ingenuity and the organic rhythms of life, culminating in a transformative experience that challenges his perceptions of reality and belonging.
By F.L. Wallace · First published 2021 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery