It is a difficult question. [One Simon doesn't know if he has the answer to- biologically alive is one thing, but if these insects are nothing more than a hive, than mindless drones, it doesn't seem very much like they are living to him.] It does make me wonder, though... if they have no thoughts, if all they are here for is to simply do, then where did this ship come from? If they aren't truly alive, it doesn't make any sense that they would be able to build and run a ship like this.