Echoes of Proxima

Chapter 3: Unexpected Allies

Spring had begun to claim the city, casting a warm glow over the once frosty paths of Portland's parks. The seasonal transformation was a spectacle of blooming flowers and budding trees, an annual reawakening that breathed life back into the cityscape. Amid this renewal, David and Steve resumed their weekly walks, a tradition that had started a couple of years ago but felt especially significant now.

David felt the crisp spring air invigorate his senses as he approached the usual meeting spot where Steve was already waiting, his gaze fixed on a pair of sparrows darting through the air. Steve greeted him with a nod and a smile, ready to dive into their usual discussions about the latest episodes of *The Expanse*. However, today, David had something far more pressing to share.

As they strolled along the tree-lined path, David hesitated, the weight of the document in his backpack feeling heavier with each step. Finally, as they reached a secluded bench overlooking a pond, David decided it was time. He pulled the document from his bag and handed it to Steve, his hands slightly trembling.

"Steve, I need to show you something serious," David began, his voice low. "I found this among my grandfather's things. It's... well, it's not fiction."

Steve's eyes widened as he skimmed the document, his initial amusement fading into a deep frown. "David, this is... are you sure about this? It's incredible."

"It's real, Steve. It talks about other beings... from Proxima Centauri b," David replied, watching a ripple spread across the pond as a breeze swept through. "They've been trying to reach out to us, and it's been kept secret."

The implications of the document seemed to hang between them like the blossoms on the trees, delicate yet momentous. Steve handed the papers back to David, his mind racing with the possibilities.

"This is huge, David. What are you going to do about it?" Steve asked, his tone serious but supportive.

"I don't know yet, but I can't just sit on this. I thought of Mariah, the journalist. Maybe she can help us figure out what to do next," David suggested, feeling a slight ease in sharing the burden.

"Good idea," Steve nodded. "And maybe we should get an expert to verify this... someone who knows about space communications. We need to be sure before we go any further."

They spent the rest of the walk planning their next steps, the spring setting a perfect stage for beginnings and revelations. As they parted ways, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows behind them, David felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path forward was unclear and undoubtedly fraught with challenges, but with Steve by his side, he felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.