MORE THAN AN ECHO (Sequel to Second Coming)

Tre’ enters his dwelling space feeling satisfied and balanced. He considers the way he can now regenerate in the new apparatus. He is grateful to the Overseers for creating such a device. He is strengthened in his connection with the Colony. He can still feel their energy and resolve towards this assignment with the Thirds. He looks forward to the next regeneration cycle.

He prepares for his second encounter with the Thirds. By now they should know the results of the bio-samples that he had presented them. He feels excited that he will be able to answer their questions. He will explain to them the connection that both of their species share.

All of the crew have gathered at the table. They have spent the last half hour discussing the questions that they shall present to Tre’. Regnoh has compiled the list of inquiry in the crew’s agreed order. The Commander was the one who decided to initiate the next encounter. Setting at the table in front of her display screen she reaches and touches it. She speaks aloud “Are you there Tre’? We wish to speak with you.”

Silent minutes float by, as each of the crew watch their screens and listen, hoping to hear a reply. Samantha stretches her arms, and then rises from her seat. Zaque looks and her and smiles, lifting his open hands and shrugging his shoulders. He wishes he could help her with her anxiety, but she is his Commander now. His mind lingers on their past relationship, and he allows himself the memory of touching her skin. He sighs.

Samantha feels his stare. She turns to him and nods her head professionally. He understands. She knows that he still cares for her, but she will not allow him to provide her with emotional support. She takes her duties very seriously. Besides, they had decided before this journey began that their past relationship was over and neither of them would allow it to affect the mission. Suddenly, all the screens light up.

Tre’ stands before the crew. He seems more confident than the first time they met with him. Samantha thinks there seems to be a satisfaction in his expression. His smile seems relaxed and not mimicked as before.

“Are you each refreshed from your time of rest?” Tre’ ask taking a quick eye to eye glance at each of the crew.

Regnoh answers “Yes we are, thank you. We have also analyzed the samples that you provided.”

Tre’ offers a nod and takes a seat at the table, “You have questions? I am prepared to answer.”

All of the crew look toward their Commander. She moves to take a seat. Samantha says “Regnoh, please begin.” Regnoh nods and the entire crew focuses on Tre’.

“Regarding the samples, one of the life force patterns, or LFPs if our host will allow, is yours? It is a mixture of human and Colony patterns.” Regnoh’s voice is calm, but Tre’ notices the excitement in the scientist’s expression.

“LFP...yes... I understand. You are correct. One sample contains my shell fluid.” Tre’s eyes beam with excitement as well.

Regnoh continues “One of the samples is the Colonies’. It contains items which are present in your LFP but is absent of Shi’ann LFP, is that correct?”

“Yes, that is correct.” Tre’ answers.

“And then there is the last sample which belongs to an unknown species, or at least unknown to us. This species’ LFP has similarities with both of the other samples.” Regnoh says with satisfaction.

“Correct, the last sample or... LFP,” Tre’ smiles at his own answer and begins again, “The last sample belongs to the Seconds, another space traveling species, which the Colony has encountered in like manner.”

Zaque interrupts “The Seconds? This is a designation that the Colony has given the species?”

“You are correct.” Tre’ shakes his head as he answers, an action that he has just learned. His Colony physiology allows him the ability to instantly recall every detail of his interactions with the crew.

Regnoh resumes control of the conversation and ask “What is the significance of the ‘second’

designation?”

“The species is the second sentient life type the Colony has discovered which displays intelligent consciousness.” Tre’ answers.

Pleytus jumps in the conversation “You mentioned that the Colony has discovered three sentient life types, and the first one is...?”

Regnoh answers with a question “Would then the Colony be the first sentient species?”

“Correct.” Tre’ responds.

“And we are your third?” The Commander states.

Tre’ stares at Samantha for a few seconds before answering. “You are correct.” His expression reveals his pleasure at her understanding. “The Colony has designated your species as the Thirds.”

Pleytus remarks “The Thirds! I like the sound of that. We the Shi’ann are the Thirds.”

Chrystoya looks at Tre’ and says, “We have referred to your species the as ‘The Others’ for as long as we have known of you. Our citizens are informed of your messages in our earliest education, even then we refer to your species as The Others. The Colony is a much more worthy name for your species.” Chrystoya offers a slight bow of her head.

“I understand that the manner of your species’ communication relies on designations. I will therefore announce to the Colony of your much more worthy designation, the Shi’ann.” Tre’ offers a slight bow in return. Chrystoya stares for a moment in his eyes then looks down to hide her blushing cheeks.

Pleytus ask “Have you discovered the name that the Seconds refer to themselves?”

Tre’s expression becomes serious, as if he is remembering a bad experience. He quickly reviews the Colony’s memories of the conflict with the Seconds and shudders. Then he feels strange that he experiences shock, even fear from those memories. The Colony does not fear an enemy, why does he? After a moment of silence he answers “The Raugnot is their self-designation.”

Pleytus echoes “The Raugnot! The name sounds ominous.”

Again Tre’ feels the dread of the Seconds, he looks away from Pleytus almost in shame. “They are an aggressive species.”

All of the crew notice Tre’s sudden change in demeanor. A few of them look at the Commander. In silence they follow her lead and look away, showing respect to their strange acting host. An awkward silence lingers for a few seconds.

Regnoh leans forward and tries to move the conversation back on track. “Regarding the samples, the evidence appears to show a relation common to each species.”

“A relation?” Tre’ considers the word as his eyes move around seeming to search for answers in the air. “A commonality, similarity, Yes each species shares a relation.”

“Tre’, does the Colony believe that each species shares a common ancestor?” Chrystoya ask.

“Believe? Yes, we have...determined. The Colony does... surmise a common ancestor. This is why we called to your species, as we did with the Seconds. We detected a similar LFP as our own. The Colony has determined that the life on each species’ home world originated elsewhere at a place of origins.”

Zaque ask “And you, uh...the Colony can detect an LFP from a great distance?”

“Not with complete accuracy, but our scanning of biological material on distant worlds has been a developing science for many cycles.” Tre’ answers.

Pleytus stammers “Amazing!” His eyes dart back and forth as his mind searches through the many questions that are rising up in his thoughts. “Tell us, what else you know of life’s origins.”

Tre’ performs the eye movement again before answering. It is as if he is searching for permission to share more. “During the Colonies’ star travels, we have detected similar LFPs on five different worlds. One of those species is extinct, the other has not yet achieved an advanced cognitive state. The other three are represented in the samples.”

Pleytus ask “The data that you mentioned earlier, are all of these species cataloged there?”

Tre’ has relaxed and answers “Yes. I transmitted that data to your vessel’s system just before I came to meet with you.” Pleytus’ expression is like a child who just received a gift. Tre’ adds “In the coming rotations, I will offer a review of that data with you.”

“Certainly, I would be most honored.” Pleytus answers.

Regnoh waves an open palm to Tre’ and says “Please continue with your explanation our fine host.”

Tre’ considers the human’s words, realizes that he has been complemented, and answers “Thank you Regnoh my fine guest. The Colony has determined that the LFPs discovered so far offer evidence of a single source of origin for all known life. The Colony surmises that all life originated on another world or system, a place of beginnings, a paradise.”

“Paradise.” Regnoh says “There are ancient myths on our world of such a place, a place of origins.”

“I would very much enjoy hearing of your ancient myths regarding paradise.” Tre’ says in almost a hopeful manner.

Regnoh is surprised by Tre’s statement but agrees to share the ancient stories with his host.

Tre’ continues, “The Colony’s primary mission is to locate the place of origins, a location we have designated as Paradise Prime. Along our journey the Colony searches for other worlds and species which may share a connection to ourselves and to Paradise, thus offering further evidence of that which we seek.”

“Tre’ this information will take some time to assimilate. We are distinct species from different worlds, and now we must consider our relation to other life forms in the universe. This is much more than we expected to discover by meeting the Colony.” She stops to gather her thoughts and says “How may we help the Colony towards its mission?” Samantha ask, “Where do the Shi’ann, fit into the Colony’s plans?”

“To interact with your species, to examine your science and culture. To know of your species’ history. This will assist the Colony in better directing our search.” Tre’ answers. “We shall learn all that we can from you during our brief time together.”

Regnoh looks at the commander and stands up “Our brief time together?” The man looks at Tre’ sternly, “You are aware that we do not possess the resources to return to our home world?”

Tre’s eyes light up “The Colony is aware of the limited resources of your mission.” Tre’ pauses again as he formulates his next words. “Your courage and intended sacrifice for your mission is... respected by the Colony, but we offer you the ability to return to your home world. Modifications can be made to your vessel using Colony technology. Within thirty rotations, we will have reached coordinates which will allow you the best trajectory to your home world. We shall endeavor during this time to complete our mission with you, and impart some of our science and technology to you as well.”

“Modifications?” Pleytus and Zaque both ask at the same time. Pleytus looks sharply toward Zaque who raises his hands toward the engineering specialist.

Pleytus continues “We must examine any such modifications before adjustments are made to our vessel.”

Tre’ responds “Certainly. You will be allowed to review the modifications that are offered. We are confident that you will approve.”

“Who will install these modifications?” Zaque ask.

“Two Colony units can install the modifications within two point six rotations. With your prior approval, of course. I will provide you with operational instructions.” Tre’ looks at Zaque as he answers.

The Commander stands, folds her arms and begins to walk around, thinking out loud, “This comes as quite a shock to us all. When we left our home world, we all understood that we could never return. We didn’t know if our lives would continue out here, or how long we might dwell among you. Our sole mission was to make contact with you, your species, and to send a report back.” Samantha shakes her head as she looks into the excited eyes of each crew member. “This changes everything.”

“You will have time to consider the Colony’s offer. May I now inquire of you?” Tre’ ask.

Regnoh responds “Certainly, what may we answer for you, for the Colony?”

“What do you know of the origin of your own species? Do you have stories of your beginnings?” Tre’ ask.

Zaque jumps in “Did you not locate this information when you accessed our vessel’s system, when you reviewed our informatory data while we were still in stasis?”

The crew all look towards Zaque. Their expressions display concern for the tone in which his question was ask.

Tre’ pauses as he considers Zaque’s question, then answers frankly “There is very little in your vessel’s systems which covers these items.” There is no offense in his words.

The Commander speaks to defuse Zaque’s words. She certainly needs a little time to consider all that has been revealed. “Tre’ perhaps we could continue this discussion during our evening meal. I welcome you to join us later for a time of nourishment and conversation. I assume you receive nutrients in a similar manner as we do?”

“Yes, though it is a strange function, I am beginning to find the experience pleasurable.”

Velmana says “Great, then we shall host Tre’ as our dinner guest at meal time.” She smiles at Tre’ and adds “I will make a special and exotic salad for our new friend.”

“Friend?′ Tre’ ask.

“A companion, colleague, team member...a crew member.” Velmana replies.

“Crew member, yes.” Tre’ says with a genuine smile.

The Commander announces a time to reconvene for dinner. Tre’ leaves the crew to return to his dwelling space until the appointed time. The crew begins discussing their current situation. For over an hour they talk and plan of returning home.

Finally the Commander gives instructions for meal preparations. Before they begin their dinner duties, Samantha offers her rebuke to Zaque’s manner toward their host. He receives her rebuke humbly, but still wears a smirk on his face.

It seems too good to be true. To return home from a mission that they all believed would be their last. None are disappointed in the change of plans. The topic of their connection to other life forms causes them all to reconsider their place in the cosmos.