Challenge #02522-F332: One Way to See

What if humans sight was akin to fantasy elves sensitivities to mana, “I may not have electro receptors like you but I'm able to to detect light with my eyes within the general vicinity” and they were so coy and vague describing light. Also if aliens have electro receptors imagine if they detect our nervous system. -- Anon Guest

The semi-amphibious Anatins didn't need to see light as they were evolving. They could sense the electrical discharges of predators and prey alike when they were close enough. That was enough of a sensory system to keep the species alive until they made it to the stars. After that things got interesting.

The first species they met outside of their own were Humans. Two exploratory crews more or less bumped into each other whilst attempting to get themselves out of a pickle and managed to successfully unpickle each other. It never takes much to get Humans to bond with you, but this one is a practically guaranteed method.

The Anatins were great at sensing creatures in the night, and therefore defending the impromptu camp from the beasts hidden in the foliage whilst the Humans kept away anything bold enough to get close. It was when the sun rose that the party discovered some key differences in sensory makeup.

"Why is Human Dan up that tree?" asked Anatin Dre.

"Scouting," said Human Rew. They were employing the typical Human cooking method of spearing portions on a stick and waving them over a fire with it.

Human Dan came down. "I found the ridge we landed near, it's actually that way--" she pointed, "--instead of that way. Typical Jude, always getting our asses turned around."

"Why are you our navigator?"

"I can do astro-math in my head and turn that barge we call our ship around on a pinhead."

Human Dan started drawing in the dirt. "Looks like we should have no problem following the river upstream until we get to the foothills, then we should definitely be in short-range comms with the shoreboat. It's a five-day walk if we push it, ten if we don't."

Human Rew shrugged. "There's plenty edible on this rock. We can take our time."

The Humans chorussed, "Sweeet..."

Anatin Dre had only seen the map happen. "I am not understanding," she said. "How are you able to perceive the shapes you made on the ground without touching them?"

Human Jude yawped, "You guys can't see anything?"

"We see," said Anatin Yugh. "We sense all creatures' presence with our electroreceptors. Do you sense the world differently?"

"Yeah we sense electromagnetic radiation in a specific range we call the visible spectrum," intoned Human Dan in the measured tones of someone who's had an argument about this before. "It means we perceive the world at relatively large distances."

Anatin Lell said, "So this is why you could sense fruiting bodies when the heat-orb rose to warm this area."

"Sun," corrected Jude. "It gives off light that we can see."

"Ah," said Anatin Dre. "That explains so much."

"So we're good?" asked Human Dan. "No arguments about how light is mystical claptrap? Fab. Let's have breakfast and get hiking. We can give you guys a lift to your vessel if you like. That night-vision... perception... you have is way useful and we obviously need it."

"That," said Anatin Lell, "sounds like a good trade."

[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / pixdesign123]

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