Echoes of Proxima

Chapter 7: Unraveling the Message

The gravity of Isiah's death hung heavily over David and Steve as they returned to David's apartment. The murder underscored the peril of their situation, but it also solidified their resolve. Someone was determined to keep the truth hidden, and that made uncovering it all the more urgent.

David spread the document out on his kitchen table, the pages still as ominous and foreboding as when he first discovered them. He and Steve had barely scratched the surface of the information it contained. Now, they needed to dive deeper.

"Let's go through this step by step," Steve suggested, his voice steady but tense. "We need to understand exactly what we're dealing with."

David nodded, pulling out his notebook to jot down key points. The document was a compilation of intercepted communications from Proxima Centauri b, a planet orbiting the closest star to our solar system. The messages were a mix of mathematical data, star charts, and what appeared to be written language, all translated by his grandfather's meticulous hand.

The first page detailed the initial contact—a simple greeting, transmitted across the vast expanse of space. The message was humble, yet profound: an introduction from one intelligent species to another.

David read aloud from the document, "We are you millions of years prior to Earth. Life was meant to prosper throughout the galaxy. The simple way to do so was through carbon-based molecules, liquid water, and an energy source buried deep inside an asteroid. Once the asteroid makes contact with a habitable planet, the circle of life begins. This is the way it's been since the dawn of time."

Steve leaned in, his brow furrowed. "This is incredible. They're explaining the very origins of life. It's not just about them reaching out to us; it's about the fundamental processes that allowed life to flourish on Earth."

As they continued through the document, they found more detailed messages. The communications included information about Proxima Centauri b itself—its geography, climate, and the nature of its inhabitants. The beings described themselves as advanced but peaceful, with a society built on cooperation and sustainability.

"Look at this," David said, pointing to a section describing their technological advancements. "They've mastered renewable energy sources and have technologies that could revolutionize our own energy infrastructure."

Steve's eyes widened. "No wonder someone wants this kept secret. The implications are huge—not just for science, but for global power structures and economies."

The document then outlined a chilling revelation: the asteroid that hit Earth millions of years ago, setting the stage for life as we know it, was part of a grand cosmic plan. The beings from Proxima Centauri b had sent the asteroid to initiate life on Earth. However, they assumed life hadn't flourished when there was no response to their messages.

David continued reading, "Since there was no response from our messages to Earth, we assumed that life hadn't flourished. Another attempt is imminent with the discovery of the asteroid Apophis. Time is of the essence to prevent a global catastrophe."

The document described in detail the exact coordinates to reach them, urging humanity to respond and avoid the impending disaster.

Steve's face grew pale. "They're saying Apophis could be the next asteroid to trigger life—or destroy it. We need to act fast."

David leaned back, the weight of the document's implications settling on him. "We have to find a way to verify this information and bring it to light, but we have to be careful. Whoever killed Isiah won't hesitate to come after us."

Steve nodded solemnly. "We need to secure this document and find a way to share it with someone who can help us without drawing too much attention. Mariah might be able to help us craft a plan."

David agreed, feeling a flicker of hope amidst the fear. "First, we need to make copies of everything. If something happens to us, the information can't be lost."

They spent the next few hours meticulously copying the documents, ensuring they had multiple backups. As they worked, they discussed their next steps, knowing that time was of the essence.

"We should contact Mariah first," David said. "She can help us figure out how to approach Dr. Marsh and validate this information without raising suspicions."

Steve nodded, his expression resolute. "And we need to stay under the radar. No more phone calls or emails that could be traced. We'll meet in person and keep everything as quiet as possible."

With their plan in place, David and Steve felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but the truth was worth fighting for. The echoes of Proxima Centauri b were calling, and they were determined to listen—and respond.