Free First Contact - Intergalactic Stories by Bane Bond Page A

which
permeated in various colours, and sent a telepathic information,
“D'ngfVak, I didn’t expect you so soon?”
    The
creature, rubbing its tentacles against each other, replied, “I am
very sorry Controller, but the Earth has refused the admission to
the Intergalactic Alliance!” The Controller rose another three eyes
in surprise, “What!? You were sent to a carefully selected being
with statistically average characteristics in order to start the
process as smooth as possible and avoid any panic and
misunderstandings.” D'ngfVak made a gesture corresponding to a head
shake on Earth, “He refused me.” The Controller started showing
signs of impatience, “You have experience with such cases, should
proceed to the next instance and so on until the contract is
signed. Go back and finish the job!” D'ngfVak’s head seemed like
slightly sank into the body, “I can’t, the answer is final. The
being served me a floral code for negation at the very start of the
contact, it was slightly vague and with a local accent, but fully
in accord with the Intergalactic Communication Code. Then it sealed
the answer with the local brand of lacquer and undoubtedly
expressed its dissatisfaction with my visit through some disgusting
fragrant, from which I still have allergic reactions on tentacles.”
The Controller had a gloomy expression, “Based on our initial
information those species use vocal and not floral based
communication.” D'ngfVak sighted, “For that reason I started with
audible message, but… It is all in my report.”
    The
Controller remained silent for a few
moments, rolling its eyes thoughtfully, “What can we do, a new
attempt will be done next Intergalactic year. You, of course, know
that you loose bonus from the collection of membership fees and
advanced tax payment from Earth?” D'ngfVak sprawled its tentacles
in disappointment, “I am aware, Controller.” “Then go the medical
section to have that allergy examined, take a day off to recover,
unpaid of course, and come the day after tomorrow for the next
assignment.” The Controller focused all its eyes on the sphere,
showing that the conversation is over. D'ngfVak’s tentacles
appeared even more sprawled, if that would be possible.
“Understood, Controller.” and it disappeared on the way to medical
section.
     
     
    ***** Ivan leaned back in
the chair and looked at his wristwatch. He just completed all
scheduled tasks on time for a lunch break. Neither him, nor other 7
and something billion of people on Earth had a slightest idea about
the postponement of 3724.15 earth years until the next visit for
obligatory tax collection by the Intergalactic Alliance…
     
    ###

Message
     
     
     
    People gaze to the sky and
stars for thousands of years. During last few hundreds of years
they also listen. It is just a matter of time to hear
something.
     
     
    *****
    When the
message arrived, the radio-telescope in Puerto Rico was looking at
the right direction. The technician could not believe his eyes. He
performed all specified procedures of verification, eliminating
satellites, radio broadcasts… even the possible hoax. Everything
seemed authentic. He called a standing by researcher, who repeated
the whole procedure. There was no doubt; it was a deep space
message. We were not alone. Verifications from other locations
started to arrive soon after the news release. During the 24 hours
after the event, as Earth rotated, everyone received the same
message. The main question that had arisen was who would be the
first to decipher it and to learn what other intelligent species
from the Universe wanted to tell us.
     
    *****
    Sam entered
the room and went straight to the desk covered with paperwork, with
several computer monitors shining in the background. He slightly
frowned, “John, all information exists in the computer. Is that
chaos on your desk really necessary?” John replied with a smile,
“Helps me think.” Sam sighed, “Very well. We are we