New Exhibit for the Zoo

“The question becomes one of degrees,” said Steve. It was not his real name. “There is a transition, with one state clearly differentiated from another. Yet the progression is one of steps, of subtle shifts. When does red become orange? At what point is one old? Perspective is the only key.”

He twiddled several buttons, his manipulator-tongues flicking out of their concealed cavities with lightning speed. The room began to darken. Jeremy sat in his cage, one sneaker remaining, a gash above his eye bleeding.

“Certainly, you are intelligent creatures,” said Steve. The door hissed open. “But not intelligent enough.”