The Bahr-Heisig Communications System

Long before Terrans reached Osiron they were constantly designing new ways to try and communicate with alien life. Many of these attempts were complete failures. Some attempts inspired hope, despite their shortcomings. One attempt was successful and would change everything the Terrans knew.

The Bahr-Heisig Communications System (BHCS), developed by Xavier Bahr and Annika Heisig in 2544 (Earth Years), would not be considered successful until well after both Xavier and Annika’s deaths. The Osiryx Federation would pick up a signal sent by the BHCS in 2691 (Earth Years) / UGY 5230. The OF would then decipher and send a signal back a year later, but the Terrans would not be able to decipher the received message until four years later.

Legacy

In order to honour Xavier and Annika for creating the first successful intergalactic communications system, the Terrans would install their design in every spaceship that was Terran built. That way, even though they were never able to reap the benefits of their success whilst they were alive, the legend of Bahr-Heisig would live on and throughout the universe. Terrans would take that legacy with them wherever they went.

... Accessing Text File ...

… Opening original message sent through the BHCS …

We are humans, from the planet known as ‘Earth’ in the Milky Way galaxy. We are, through our nature, curious creatures. Our desire to explore the known universe knows no bounds.

If you have received this message, then I can only hope that you are capable of deciphering the words and our meaning. I cannot stress this point enough but I assure you that we desire peace. We are not looking for a fight, but if you instigate, I must warn you that we will not lie down and take it.

As of sending this message, we have created ships capable of travelling through our solar system - our galaxy, even - but no further. We dream of exploring galaxies beyond our own. Of starting life anew on a planet we know little about.

Perhaps you can help. Perhaps you cannot, or do not wish to. You have no obligation to us, after all, whoever you may be. You do not even need to respond to this message - you could leave us in the dark and we would be none the wiser.

I hope you do though.

… Accessing Text File …

… Opening Original message received through the BHCS …

Greetings Terrans. We know of this ‘Earth’ where you reside (though we do not use that moniker for it). It is a long way off from our own galaxy, but we believe it will prove to be an exciting challenge to explore beyond our own boundaries.

You see, we are an organisation from the Cerberi galaxy known as the Osiryx Federation. We have yet to travel beyond said galaxy, but our desire to explore is much like your own. Already, we have developed a device that allows us to travel between systems within the Cerberi galaxy almost instantaneously.

We would like to help you develop such a device. You will require one in your own system - linked to a secondary device in ours - in order to travel between the two galaxies. All we ask in return is that, where you may jump to our end of the universe, we should also be allowed to jump to yours. A mutually beneficial agreement.

We must also be cautious, as we are sure you understand. Our plans for such a device will not be sent across until you have replied to our own message. You must prove to us that your technology is advanced enough to allow for such a development project, and you must confirm that you are happy with the terms laid out before you.