Chapter 3: Mockingbird Core...

2 Corinthians 7: 1

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Moose makes his way to the study room, a quiet room.  A place he can think while talking with the new core.  She had named herself Mockingbird.  This is the first step.  It might mean nothing.  It might mean something.

Bird was the first choice.  Mockingbird.  Well known for its ability to mimic and a larger than life ego often pitting itself against far larger animals in a battle of bravado.

“Q-bot, you with me?”

“Brrrzat.”

“I need the top five interesting facts about Mockingbirds.  Doable?”  Moose readies several screens, information begins to flood.  He lays his Bible down in front of the core.  She sits silent, waiting.

“Bareka brrrrzitit taktak.  Rrrrroooo.”

The readout is as follows:

Top Five Scientific Facts About Northern Mockingbirds

Here are five fascinating, research-backed facts about the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), drawn from ornithological studies and observations:

1.  Exceptional Mimicry Repertoire: Northern Mockingbirds can learn and imitate up to 200 distinct songs and sounds throughout their lifetime, including those of other birds, amphibians (like at least 12 North American frog and toad species), and even human-made noises such as car horns or machinery.  This “many-tongued” ability, reflected in their scientific name, is used primarily by males to attract mates and defend territories.

2.  Dietary Shift with Seasons: These birds are omnivorous opportunists, feeding mainly on insects (e.g., beetles, ants, grasshoppers) during summer breeding season for high protein needs, but switching to fruits and berries (like those from multiflora rose) in fall and winter.  This adaptability supports their energy demands and aids in seed dispersal for various plants.

3.  Territorial Wing-Flashing Behavior: Mockingbirds perform a unique “wing flash” display, rapidly opening and closing their wings to reveal bold white patches, which may startle insects into easier capture or signal dominance to rivals. This behavior is observed year-round but intensifies during breeding, helping them harass intruders like cats, dogs, or other birds.

4.  Rapid Reproductive Cycle: Females lay 2–6 eggs (average 4) per clutch, with incubation lasting 11–14 days, followed by fledging in just 10–15 days; pairs often raise 2–4 broods annually.  Chicks are altricial (helpless at hatching), reaching independence quickly and sexual maturity within one year, enabling high population turnover.

5.  Population Stability and Range Expansion: With an estimated global population of around 45 million individuals, Northern Mockingbirds are not threatened and have expanded northward since the 1900s, thriving in urban and suburban habitats due to abundant food sources like invasive plants.  They average 8 years in the wild and are protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

END_

Moose rubs his chin.  “These are probably the first things she saw.”

The core pulses with blue light, it blankets the table Moose has spread

out on.  The core of the ship and this was her audtiion.  “Every input we

can consider, we consider.”

Romans 12: 1-2

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you

present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is

your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be

transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is

that good, and acceptable and perfect Will of God.”

“Art-bot, you with me up there on the bridge?”  Moose opens the coms

“Always, Captain.”  Art-bot’s voice comes through the coms.  “Systems

stable.  Q-bot’s readings from the new core are syncing with the helm

network now.  You should feel the stabilizers pulse in a few seconds.”

“I need you to pull me up a few images of Mockingbirds.  Doable?”

“Of course, Captain,” Art-bot replies, her tone calm and alive with quiet

curiosity.  The hum of the study’s systems deepens as the holographic

terminal awakens.  Blue light floods across the table, catching the metal

seams of the Bibles stacked near the glowing core.