Sphere

by Michael Crichton

“Let’s cut the crap,” Barnes said. “Ask him about his weapons.” “I doubt he’ll understand the concept of weapons.” “Everybody understands the concept of weapons,” Barnes said. “Defense is a fact of life.” “I must protest that attitude,” Ted said. “Military people always assume that everyone else is exactly like them. This alien may not have the least conception of weapons or defense. He may come from a world where defense is wholly irrelevant.” “Since you’re not listening,” Barnes said, “I’ll say it again. Defense is a fact of life. If this Jerry is alive, he’ll have a concept of defense.” “My God,” Ted said. “Now you’re elevating your idea of defense to a universal life principle—defense as an inevitable feature of life.” Barnes said, “You think it isn’t? What do you call a cell membrane? What do you call an immune system? What do you call your skin? What do you call wound healing? Every living creature must maintain the integrity of its physical borders. That’s defense, and we can’t have life without it. We can’t imagine a creature without a limit to its body that it defends. Every living creature knows about defense, I promise you. Now ask him.” “I’d say the Captain has a point,” Beth said. “Perhaps,” Ted said, “but I’m not sure we should introduce concepts that might induce paranoia—” “—I’m in charge here,” Barnes said.