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719 - Probing and Conversation II
🕑 Added 2024-09-08 10:20:54 +0000 UTCFor the next few days, there was no direct communication between the two sides. They were either exchanging technical manuals and codes for building the necessary communication technology or receiving them.
Once the transfer was complete, a response came from the other side, stating that they would have the device ready in three hours before going silent again. This response alone hinted at their ability to rapidly produce such technology, suggesting they had advanced fabrication capabilities—likely akin to 3D printing, at least for small-scale devices compared to their massive ship.
Regarding the use of "hours" in the conversation, it wasn’t literal Earth time; instead, it was based on the standardized measurement system established during their initial communication.
What followed was a return to silence and waiting—a situation every imperial soldier trained for space warfare was familiar with. Much of their training involved long stretches of travel between points, while actual combat tended to be brief, often resolved within a few hours or days. Since either they held the upper hand, or the opposing side did, resulting in quick outcomes.
As such three hours later, right on time, a small two-meter door opened on the colossal ship. The door was so minuscule compared to the ship's vast size that it almost went unnoticed, if not for the visual monitoring equipment that quickly highlighted and zoomed in on the scene. From the door, a small antenna emerged before it quietly closed behind, leaving the antenna exposed.
After a brief pause, the antenna began to adjust, slowly aligning itself to face the much smaller ship stationed at a distance. Once it was properly oriented, it started transmitting radio waves as a test, aiming to confirm if the communication system was functioning as expected.
Once confirmation was received that the transmission was successful, the next phase was promptly set in motion. Both sides initiated video communication, eager to see and understand the appearance and nature of each species from the other side.
………….
“Greetings,” Xalthar said, his voice smooth and resonant. He appeared as a tall, slender humanoid with iridescent skin, large expressive eyes, and elongated limbs. His streamlined head was adorned with human-like ears, and his subtle mouth barely moved. Golden lines, reminiscent of circuits, adorned his visible skin, which were echoed by the intricate designs of his robes. His demeanor exuded a mix of curiosity and haughty confidence, a subtle reminder of the arrogance often seen in humans.
“Greetings,” Niwildan responded, matching Xalthar's composed posture from his own chair. “It’s good to finally put a face to the voice.” His tone was courteous, yet firm, reflecting his own sense of importance and the diplomatic gravity of the moment.
However, Niwildan's surprise was evident as he took in the sight of Xalthar and the others behind him. It was clear that not only was Xalthar humanoid resembling humans, but so were the others in the background, each displaying distinct features indicating different species.
Xalthar, noticing the reaction, raised his chin slightly, interpreting the surprise as a sign of awe toward his exalted presence. To Niwildan, it seemed like Xalthar assumed that his elevated demeanor was having the intended effect, reinforcing his perception of their own superiority.
There was a brief pause between the two sides before Niwildan, not interested in engaging in what seemed like a power struggle, spoke up. “How about we start by exchanging information about who we are and where we come from?”
“Sure,” Xalthar agreed. “Although it might seem like we’re giving up more, it’s better to do this first. We can have a more detailed discussion once we understand each other’s backgrounds and positions.” Before Niwildan could reply, the video call was abruptly terminated.
Seeing what had transpired, no one in the control room felt angered by the action. During their training, they had been taught that the behaviors of new species should never be viewed through the lens of their own culture until a full understanding was reached. What might seem offensive from a human perspective could very well be a gesture of deep respect in another culture. Therefore, they remained composed and continued with their duties as expected of them.
Moments later, the other side began transmitting a large volume of information through the antenna. In response, the control room sent back basic information about humans. While it might seem unwise to divulge details about themselves, the amount of information they were receiving in return made it worthwhile. Despite being fundamental, this exchange was crucial for bridging the knowledge gap, as they currently lacked any information about the other side.
……………….
{Based on the mana intensity detected from that antenna, I can say with high certainty that it is either their primary source of power or they are a mana-based civilization,} Nova reported to Aron. They were the only ones in the room now, as the others had returned to their work and would continue being updated on the situation in their responsive room and would only regroup if a significant development required a meeting.
As Nova spoke, Aron sat in silence, tapping the table—a habitual gesture indicating he was deep in thought or piecing together information.
Noticing Aron’s silence, Nova stopped speaking, understanding that any comments she made would be heard by him, but he would only respond if it was an emergency.
After observing Aron cease his tapping, Nova asked, {What’s on your mind?}
“Through the video call, we saw seven different species behind Xalthar, and they were all humanoid. The species we discovered through the exploration fleet were also humanoid. This makes me wonder if all species that advance to interstellar capabilities are required to be in a humanoid form, or atleast those in this galaxy or this specific sector of the galaxy,” Aron said outlining what he had been thinking.
{At least with the information we have, that’s the only conclusion we can draw,} Nova responded after some thought. {If your assumption is correct, then there must be some interference related to Laifu or her fundamental laws that skews such outcomes.}
“Should the information we receive include details about species in their so-called Astral Conclave, it might help answer our question or partially prove or disprove our assumption,” Aron said, aligning with her line of thought. For now, he would wait for the completion of the information transfer from both sides so he could review it and determine whether his theory was correct or not.
