Instinct

"Instinct" by George O. Smith is a science fiction tale that tells a story about first contact. It explores how hard it can be when different species try to understand each other, especially when one is much more advanced. The story follows Jerry Markham, a human astronaut who finds himself prisoner of an alien race. These aliens, led by Chelan, are curious about humans but confused by their love of fighting and their strong desire to explore, even when things go wrong. As Markham is isolated, he thinks hard about what it means to remember and communicate. Even when the aliens try to block his senses, they discover he still wants to connect with others, showing the strength of humanity. It makes the aliens rethink how they see humans, recognizing their determination to survive no matter what.