User Guide

A NEW SUN
APPENDIX 5
225
the human brain. A second, more exotic explanation has also been posited,
that the worms manipulate electromagnetic radiation to attack. The third the-
ory is that the mind worms are able to manipulate a totally new form of ener-
gy — a purely psychoactive waveform capable of interfacing with, and distort-
ing the thoughts of, all self-aware creatures.
PLANT LIFE
The bulk of the biomass of Planet, however, consists of basically earthlike
green vegetation — algae, fungi and small plants, the most complex of which
can be compared to a terrestrial palm tree. Over most of Planet, this vegeta-
tion takes the form of a savanna-like carpet of grass and moss, with the occa-
sional “vine” or small “bush” relieving the monotony. The sole exception to
this rule is the Monsoon Jungle, where anomalous green vegetation can reach
a height of several dozen meters. Whatever its size, however, the green bio-
mass provides many useful proteins that can be efficiently processed for use
by humans as nutrients.
SYMBIOSIS
Despite the most obvious life-forms (xenofungus and mind worms), life on
Planet, in general, is neither hostile to humankind nor particularly noteworthy.
However, the intricate and sophisticated symbiosis in which nearly every
species participates is noteworthy. (In fact, no observed species, whether flora,
fauna or otherwise, does not participate in this symbiotic dance.) It is common
on Earth for two, or sometimes even three or four species, to engage in a sym-
biotic relationship. On Planet, the symbiotic network essentially embraces
every native species. This network works together with extreme efficiency and
produces very little organic residue — everything is used, then reused.
Therefore, contrary to planetologists’ expectations, fossil fuels and the like are
unknown on Planet.
It is not too great a stretch to suggest that this intricate network has been
woven by conscious intent (without attempting to answer the obvious rejoin-
der, “Whose intent?”).