***** Vol.3 Chap.5 News flash about dolphins *****
Frank returned to his nice, soft chair behind the desk. The events of the day weighed heavily on his subconsciousness. His chair, his inner sanctum, was his escape. He racked his brain considering the events of the day. But enough was enough for the day. Picking up some Moo Goo Gai Pan dinner from the nearby takeout express, he headed home.
As he relaxed in his favorite chair at home, he turned the TV on and switched to the CNN channel while he mindlessly consumed his dinner. A CNN special was on about the launching of a research vessel called the Mayflower by NOAA.
…During this trip on the Mayflower research vessel, the first three-dimensional (3D) sonar ranging and scanning system providing unprecedented resolution and clarity on the underwater images using the latest signal processing technology will be tested. With us are Captain Jonas Tontere and Dr. Kristin Sobinowski, Director of Underwater Research Programs at NOAA.
“Captain Jonas, what is so significant about this launch?”
“Let me tell you, this is the launch of the century. On my vessel, we have installed the first and the most advanced depth and side looking sonar that provides unprecedented 3D underwater pictures that are clear that when viewing them on the monitor…”
Jonas loves the limelight and took every opportunity to enhance his image. He continued in his pompous and patronizing manner.
“…I was privileged to some of the former tests, and I can tell you that those 3D images are incredible. I have seen a lot of sonar pictures in my life and there is nothing that can be compared to these …”
“Thank you, Captain Jonas.” The reporter politely retracted the microphone.
Frank had enough of Jonas’ self-promotion as well.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“Dr. Sobinowski, can you tell us about other research projects at this launch?”
“Sure, it is my pleasure. Of course, one of the primary purposes of this upcoming launch is to show the advanced sonar system as Captain Jonas had highlighted. We also have another important research project, launching a small submersible for the study of dolphins and other sea mammals.”
Frank can hear Captain Jonas clearing his throat loudly in the background.
“We are interested in the social behavior of dolphins.” Kristin continued.
Frank’s ear perked up.
“Many studies had suggested the absence of aggressive behavior among the dolphins, the new submersible would allow us to observe the dolphins in close range.”
The program now got his attention.
“Dolphins are gregarious creatures. They are graceful and intelligent. There is a lot we can learn from dolphins. For example, they mate for life and take care of their young. They work harmoniously in groups in their own wonderful society.”
He is listening now.
“There is much we can learn from the dolphins. …”
“We have some of the top known scientists with us in the upcoming launch.” Jonas grabbed the conversation. “It was a multinational collaborative effort…”
Jonas droned on and on…
He was intrigued by the dolphins and the bold claim that there were no aggressive behaviors among them. He had never heard of dolphins attacking humans or other animals. Not being a zoologist, he took Kristin’s word for it.
But is it possible that here on this earth, there is a species that has no aggression? And this species still exists today among all the other aggressive predators?
He remembered Mark’s simulation that seemed to suggest that aggression would ultimately dominate the outcome because of the instinct of survival.
But here is a species that has no aggression and yet still exists, or rather co-exist peacefully with other predators.
On one hand, Frank was pleased to hear that, but he also doubted that could happen on planet earth.
He longed for a society without aggression, at least among the homo sapiens. Perhaps he was too idealistic, he chastised himself. When he finished with the food, he sat back in his easy chair and reviewed the events of the day.
The more he considered the various scenarios of the artificial creatures, the more depressed he got. The more he dwelled on the questions, the more confused he got. The more he pondered on the past, the less he could see through. He was confused because he had thoughts about these issues, but had brushed them past him.
These issues had never bothered him before. But somehow, the questioning by his colleagues had awoken a deep yearning inside of him for the truth. He felt like he was grappling, but was not sure what he was trying to catch.
Eventually, he decided to forget the whole thing and head to bed.