A moment later, the text exchange ended, replaced by Video Communication.
Caedhes heard rushing water in the distance, along with the raucous cries of small birds before they fluttered away. The transmission seemed to originate in a thriving biome.
An image appeared before his eyes: vibrant shades of green, lush vegetation, swaying leaves, plants tall and short surrounding a tranquil lake, and a dome high overhead that sheltered all this vegetation.
It looked like a mobile botanical garden.
First contact with Aeshlin
"Hello?" Caedhes asked, now even more interested in this unusual Science Ship.
Before landing on the planet to explore, he might as well deal with this Science Ship of unknown origin.
That was the allure of the universe: no one could predict what would appear in the next second. The vast, wondrous universe could satisfy anyone's curiosity while constantly inspiring more.
No one answered him. There was only the rustle of vegetation and distant birdsong, followed by the chirping of insects nearby. Together with the burbling water, the sounds came clearly through the audio equipment.
"Hello?" Caedhes asked calmly, without irritation.
The camera shook for a moment, then turned around. He watched the dense jungle suddenly open up, towering trees giving way to low shrubs, then level grassland, before finally revealing the metal floor beneath.
Unfamiliar equipment lay piled there, and a plant-based life-form sat in a chair woven from vines, a gentle smile always lingering on her mouth.
Aeshlin
"Space Genesis Creator, Aeshlin. My sincere greetings to you, humans. I have certain hopes for you."
"Forgive my abruptness, but I must know how much curiosity you possess. Now, let me ask you something: how do you view life?"
"Aexa Caedhes of the Sea of Stars Most Holy Human Empire, offspring of Vagros." Caedhes offered a salute. "Lady...