We remain silent for several long minutes, as Gabrielle’s words continue their journey through our minds. Sarah’s holding my hand, suddenly I am aware that we have a very physical presence here. Is it the power of illusion, or have we, in some way, “borrowed” bodies? And what do Gabrielle and Helga look like in their native forms? I decide to ignore that latter thought.

Helga speaks. “In our Coven, there are some who believe you humans do not deserve to be protected, and that, at best, you should be quarantined and ignored. We cannot be sure that this view may not become a majority. So we wish to prove them wrong. However, it is our belief that if you do not receive any help from outside, which means from us, your civilisation’s chances of survival may be slim. Even assuming you see reason and stop destroying your planet, asteroids or other galactic incidents will finish you off in due time. We are convinced you will need some help, and probably sooner than we thought a few centuries back. The four of you – Julian, Sarah, Jane, and of course Melissa – can do a lot to strengthen our case.”

We are stunned. It is Sarah who finally replies for us. “I can say for at least three of us, and I am sure Melissa agrees, that we are willing. But what can we do?” 

There is another pause, then Gabrielle speaks. “It is a long-haul project. Remember that we have been observing you for millennia. We rely on Melissa to explain to you – and she has started with you, Sarah – how you can communicate with us more easily. We have invited you here, not to show off, but to facilitate your understanding of what we have undertaken. For us, your main task will be to communicate back to your people, through your writing, your friends, whatever influence you may already have or develop in the future, and slowly begin to suggest that you are not alone. This will be difficult. It will take time. 

We decided to work with individuals like yourselves rather than institutions, because we do not want to panic you; our experience elsewhere has taught us to be patient. You will have to be cautious, too, since a healthy skepticism will meet any affirmation that we – “beings from Andromeda” – are close to your world.  In fact, we believe that this may not be the most helpful starting point. It will be up to you. Our own experience is that an appreciation of the possibility – a finite probability – of close-by intelligent life and friendly civilisations maybe the way to prime consciousness. Many of your mainstream scientists will deny the practicality of communication – the Fermi paradox. Others may be more questioning of the received wisdom.” 

We are now silent, reflecting, as we retrace our steps along the beach. The moons are bright in the dark sky. 

Helga wishes us well and promises to be in touch. We thank her for talking to us, and assure her of our willingness to help her to help us. The little sphere is back, and Gabrielle says that she will accompany us back to the cloister. The return journey appears to take a little longer but when we stand, close to the medieval column and the statue of the saint, Sarah says that we have been away only for fifteen minutes at most. We agree with Gabrielle and Melissa to meet at their house in a week’s time. The two of us then walk back through the sleepy streets to our car, parked near the library. I am deep in thought: Sarah will drive. We, the space and time travellers, will need seven hours to go back home…

Picture source, Saturn in full view, NASA

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