Chapter 10

Summary

• The protagonist identifies xenonite in various hexes, noticing slight differences suggesting they are testing compounds against the ship's air.
• Deciding against depressurizing the tunnel, the protagonist speculates the aliens probably have air sampling techniques.
• The protagonist spots a clear hex and sees an object resembling a claw on the other side, indicating an alien presence.
• Engaging in a form of communication, the alien taps on the hexagon and motions that the protagonist should return to the ship.
• The alien demonstrates a rough understanding of human gestures and shows models of the protagonist and the Hail Mary ship.
• Returning to the ship, the protagonist muses about the alien's biological sex and dubs the alien "Rocky".
• Realizing that the previously opaque hex wall has been replaced and his lamps are gone, the protagonist ponders the alien's need for light.
• Speculating why a robot replaced Rocky, the protagonist theorizes about environmental conditions and Eridian vision.
• The protagonist encounters Rocky again, this time getting a fuller view of the alien's spider-like anatomy and the way it interacts with its environment.
• An exchange of gestures leads to Rocky leaving a gift. The protagonist understands the gesture for wanting the clock to stay in place against the wall.
• Rocky, after briefly disappearing, returns with a clock-like device, teaching the protagonist about Eridian numbers and time.
• The protagonist measures an Eridian second, deduces Eridians use base six, and plans to establish more units of measurement with Rocky.
• After taping the Earth clock showing two hours to the tunnel wall, the protagonist sets off for a much-needed nap, despite struggling with the excitement of interstellar communication.