MICHAEL CRICHTON

“When you meet her,” he said, “remember that she is a gorilla and not ahuman being. Gorillas have their own etiquette. Don’t speak loudly or make anysudden movements until she gets used to you. If you smile, don’t show yourteeth, because bared teeth are a threat. And keep your eyes downcast, becausedirect stares from strangers are considered hostile. Don’t stand too close to meor touch me, be-cause she’s very jealous. If you talk to her, don’t lie. Eventhough she uses sign language, she understands most human speech, and weusually just talk to her. She can tell when you’re lying and she doesn’t like it.”“She doesn’t like it?”“She dismisses you, won’t talk to you, and gets bitchy.”“Anything else?”“No, it should be okay.” He smiled reassuringly. “We have this traditionalgreeting, even though she’s getting a little big for it.” He opened the door, bracedhimself, and said, “Good morning, Amy.”A huge black shape came leaping out through the open door into his arms.Elliot staggered back under the impact. Ross was astonished by the size of theanimal. She had been imagining something smaller and cuter. Amy was as largeas an adult human female.Amy kissed Elliot on the cheek with her large lips, her black head seemingenormous alongside his. Her breath steamed his glasses. Ross smelled asweetish odor, and watched as he gently unwrapped her long arms from aroundhis shoulders. “Amy happy this morning?” he asked.Amy’s fingers moved quickly near her cheek, as if she were brushing awayflies.“Yes, I was late today,” Elliot said.She moved her fingers again, and Ross realized that Amy was signing. Thespeed was surprising; she had expected something much slower and moredeliberate. She noticed that Amy’s eyes never left Elliot’s face. She wasextraordinarily attentive, focusing on him with total animal watchfulness. Sheseethed to absorb everything, his posture, his expression, his tone of voice, aswell as his words.“I had to work,” Elliot said. She sighed again quickly, like human gestures ofdismissal. “Yes, that’s right, people work.” He led Amy back into the trailer, andmotioned for Karen Ross to follow. Inside the trailer, he said, “Amy, this is Dr.Ross. Say hello to Dr. Ross.”Amy looked at Karen Ross suspiciously.48