Who is Herbie from Startide Rising and what is their importance? Startide_Rising English & Literature Herbie | Startide Rising

A billion-year-old humanoid mummy of unknown species, discovered by the exploration vessel Streaker aboard the Derelict Fleet, Herbie awaits thorough scientific study on Earth. He is temporarily the roommate of Dr. Gillian Baskin, who performs non-destructive tests. The mini-Library aboard Streaker contains no data on the fleet or a being of Herbie's description. He has the skeletal structure of a planet walker.