MORE THAN AN ECHO (Sequel to Second Coming)
Setting the Stage

Tre’ is back inside his dwelling space. His contemplation over the relation of the Colony to the Shi’ann stimulates his emotions and thoughts. Though he had prior knowledge of the connection, it now fascinates him. Does this knowledge increase the worth of each species? He considers the crew’s focus on the connection. Is he excited because he is like them? Is this fascination similar to the Colony’s search for Paradise Prime? Does a species need to know its origin? Does this knowledge provide value for a species existence? Does it offer purpose and meaning?

The dinner and conversation has lasted for over an hour. The crew enjoy seeing Tre’ try the different items of their feast. His favorite is Velmana’s salad. He had three servings. All are amazed that the alien can consume such a volume of food.

Chrystoya mentions that she would like to examine Tre’ to have a look at his metabolism and overall biological processes. Tre’ understands this as a request and states “You may perform a medical examination of my shell if you so desire.” Chrystoya accepts the offer. Regnoh announces that he will make preparations for the examination during the next rotation.

The conversation is as satisfying as the meal. Pleytus explains the evolution of the homo species, as understood by Shi’ann science. Tre’ remarks that the Colony’s evolution was not so unlike their guests. Both species have taken small steps toward more complexity over a vast amount of time.

Of all of the discussions of the evening, Tre’ most enjoys Regnoh’s explanation of the myths of Eden and the Sumerian and Vedas’ origin stories. Several stories from Shi’ann history are shared as well.

Tre’ listens intently. He is listening for items or clues which might interest the Overseers. He listens for any mention of a credible off world agent. He hears none that can be validated, but he is fascinated with analyzing the ancient human myths.

The Colony possess no myths or legends within their long history. From a very early age, the Colony has concerned itself with only what could be known empirically. The Colony though is not all knowing. There are some mysteries and unanswered questions in their past history. There are ancient thoughts within the Memory Chamber that ponder a higher source of life which may have given a fruitful gift to a young and developing world. But they are only ancient thoughts. What is known by the Colony is evidence. Their theory is based on factual evidence. Evidence which they have gathered from different worlds, evidence which inspires their search for Paradise Prime.

Zaque begins a conversation with Tre’ regarding the modifications that will be performed on the Garguth. Tre’ announces that “Colony units are now constructing the devices which will enhance your vessel’s performance.”

“And... you will share the plans with us before installation?” Zaque ask with a slide glance and smile at the Commander. She nods her head in approval of the question.

“Yes, I shall be able to send this information to your vessel’s communication systems.” Tre’ answers.

“Thank you Tre’. What exactly will be enhanced?” Pleytus ask.

“Most of your vessel’s systems will perform with much more efficiency once energized by Colony power cells. The prominent enhancement will be an increase in your vessel’s speed. Your journey here took two hundred point zero three cycles, with the enhancements you will arrive home in approximately half that time.” Tre’ explains.

The questions and comments from the crew cause Tre’ to seem perplexed. He explains “I cannot adequately explain the enhancements yet. I await the instructions once the Colony has completed the equipment’s construction.”

Zaque gives a suspicious expression and ask “And you can learn the plans like overnight, and then share them with us?”

“Overnight?” Tre’ does not understand the question.

Zaque explains “What I meant is do you have the ability to learn the plans in a short amount of time?”

“The plans will be transferred to me to share with you.” Tre’ is mindful of their limited knowledge of the Colony’s technology and offers “The Colony possess the ability to transfer knowledge and instruction to any unit in an almost immediate process. This is how all units receive their assignments.”

The evening comes to close as the Commander thanks Tre’ for his company and conversation.

“And I thank you for the meal. The conversation was enjoyable and informative.” Tre’ smiles as he walks away.

The next rotation, Tre’ joins the crew as they are completing their first meal. To the commander’s disapproval, he begins to help to clear the table. Tre’ ask, “Would this be a proper time to review the enhancements which will be installed to your vessel?”

Pleytus and Zaque both answer in unison “Yes!”

Screens around the table light up each revealing a diagram of the Garguth. Two screens light up in front of Tre’s chair. One shows the same diagram, the other is filled with strange symbols which are listed in thin vertical lines.

Pleytus walks around and takes a look at the symbols and ask, “So is this the language of the Colony?”

Tre’ answer, “The symbols are not exactly a language. The Colony has no need for any recorded language in the manner which you understand it. From this screen,” Tre’ taps the symbols, “I can direct my explanation of the enhancements and install other diagrams on all screens.” He moves items on the display screens as he scans the faces of each crew member.

Regnoh comments, “Tre’, I am surprised that the Colony has never developed a recorded language. Your species is so advanced in all areas of technology. I am curious, does the Colony retain any type of data concerning its long history.”

Tre’ nods his head, “The Colony retains all of our history in the Memory Chamber. All units may review any past memory or event, at any time such information is required.”

Pleytus is intrigued “A memory chamber. Exactly how does this memory chamber operate?”

Tre’ pauses as his eyes move around. He displays satisfaction in telling them more about his species. “The Colony shares a conscious connection with all units at all times. The Memory Chamber is located within this collective consciousness.”

The crew begins discussing the Colony’s shared consciousness and preparing more questions when the Commander speaks, “Tre’ forgive our curiosity. Your culture is very different from ours, everything about you fascinates us, everything about the Colony. Please begin the enhancements review whenever you are ready.”

The next few hours flow easily as the crew is engrossed in Tre’s presentation. Zaque and Pleytus ask more questions than the rest of the crew. Several times Tre’ has to not only explain each modification and how it will operate, he also has to explain the Colony’s technology and science. Except for Pleytus and Zaque, most of the crew feel like toddlers in an alien science lab. With each explanation there are following sets of questions about the Colony’s technology. Finally the Commander interrupts to move the conversation back to Tre’s review.

Tre’ ends his presentation by instructing Zaque and Pleytus that he wishes to assist them with preparing the Garguth’s systems for the installation of the new technology. This preparation will take several rotations to complete. Both crew members begin reviewing the diagrams and asking even more questions. The other crew members seem to struggle with concentration following the discussion. Samantha senses this and releases the rest of the crew to perform other duties.

The Commander stays with the conversation. She must understand all of the changes that will be made to her ship. As she listens her mind drifts to thoughts of her Gransam. What would he think of the Others’ technology being installed on their vessel? She smiles knowing how proud he would be. She holds a sad warmth in her heart.

Tre’ leaves Zaque and Pleytus to their own discussion on which systems to first begin their work and announces that he will return to his dwelling place. The Commander ask if she may accompany him on his brief walk back to the ramp which will lift him to the upper level and the large door into his world. Tre’ agrees to her offer.

She ask “Tre’ I am curious about the Colony’s decision to assist us in a return trip. We are very grateful, but all of us had resolved to never see our world again. At what point did the Colony realize they could help us return home?”

Tre’ stops. He turns and faces Samantha. “Cycles before your vessel arrived, the Colony had accessed enough information to arrive at this decision. The Colony could not proceed until your approval had been granted.”

Tre’ adds “As we were beginning to access your vessel’s informatory data, your dwelling compartments were being constructed. We expected that this would satisfy your immediate need of resources and habitation.”

“Because of our advanced technology the Colony purposed to assist you.” Tre’s eyes roam as he formulates his next statement “You and your crew have a need and the Colony possesses the ability to satisfy that need. What better a gift that the Colony could bestow upon our new friends than to assist your voyage home.” Even his tone of voice has changed. The look in his eyes seem sincere as if he is proud to offer such kind words.

The Commander is moved by his words. “Tre’ we shall ever be grateful to the Colony for such a gift, and to you, for your friendship.”

Samantha realizes that their original plans were never shared with Tre’, with the Colony. “Pardon my error Tre’, in the excitement of first meeting you, I failed to share our complete mission directives with you.”

She notices that he lifts his head a bit, in a curious human glance. “I would like to hear of your directives, please proceed.” Samantha notices that even his accent has changed. He almost sounds like a real Shi’ann.

She begins, “We could not know how long or even if we could dwell among your species. We were quite pleased to discover the civility and kindness of the Colony. It was never our intention to meet you in need or to require any assistance from you, from the Colony.”

“The Colony is pleased that you are here and desires to offer any assistance that might best serve our relationship.” Tre’ responds.

With a grateful expression Samantha continues “We left our planet with several options after contact had been made. Our primary directive after contact was to establish a Shi’ann dwelling, whether among you, if allowed, or on a habitable world we might encounter. Once such a permanent dwelling could be established, we would continue our lives as explorers and ambassadors of our world. We would maintain communication with our home world and plan out our lives accordingly with the hope that someday in the future other Shi’ann would reach us or our descendants.”

“Descendants? Do you speak of offspring?” Tre ask. “I am intrigued with your species ability to procreate, which I have examined from your informatory data. This is performed through mating.”

The Commander continues with a smile “Yes Tre’, that is one of the ways we can procreate. As a crew we were selected with an equal balance of both the reproductive genders of our species, with this being the optimal chance for our species to continue out here so far from home.”

Samantha can sense that Tre’ is formulating a question. She would rather not discuss human sexuality with an alien, even if he is a courteous and handsome alien. She redirects the conversation. “Oh course, we also had a final option, if no habitation could be established.”

“A final option?” Tre’ ask.

“The final option is to place all crew members in stasis with the engines programmed to give one final thrust towards home.” Samantha looks into Tre’ eyes, “There is greater than a fifty percent chance that our craft will reach the Earth ...in about three thousand cycles.”

“Three thousand cycles is a very long time, even for the Colony. The modifications that will be performed on your vessel will allow you to arrive at your home world much sooner than that.” Tre’ states plainly.

Samantha stops at the edge of the ramp and motions for Tre’ to continue, “Tre’ thank for your company this evening. We have enjoyed your communication. May you rest well?”

Tre’ steps closer to the Commander and opens his arms, “I leave you in peace with open arms.” he embraces Samantha.

She speaks the words back to him, “In peace with open arms.” He feels so human.

Tre’ pulls away and begins his assent up the ramp. After the second step he stops, turns and says “When we next communicate, I would like to learn more about Shi’ann procreation.”

The Commander is a quick thinker and says “Yes, I believe Pleytus can best offer you an explanation.” Tre’ nods, smiles and commences his climb.