“Jahrae, take a look at this!” Hrilleae called out to her daughter, a touch of excitement evident in her voice. Jahrae sat at her desk, engrossed in her work. Hearing her mum’s excitement, her attention diverted toward Hrilleae.

Hrilleae was monitoring communications from the Arrkarhara system; the signal source identified two days before, opened the gateway into all manner of broadcasts – and a resulting wealth of information. Their computer quickly established a translation interface for the broadcasts, translating spoken words into scrolling Arrhazonan text below broadcast images.

Jahrae walked over and rested her arms lightly on her mum’s shoulders, while she peered at the screen to her front. The video was of someone speaking to an audience, and as Hrilleae rewound the recorded element, a still picture of llhaesa lying in a bed came on screen.

The scrolling text indicated the person was talking on treating ‘the Salstons’ as guests – yet they obviously associated that name with llhaesa. “Goddess of Arrhazon!” Jahrae exclaimed, now with proof of llhaesa’s presence and condition. “Great work, mum! Keep scouring their airwaves; if this person is talking on llhaesa, surely others are as well. Now if you excuse me, I have to place a call.”

Jahrae’s insides ran wild, as if a party were underway while she kept it hidden from neighbours. Rushing to make the call, her mind still found time to relish the image of 39 year old llhaesa, and even though she lay ill, Jahrae’s mind concluded llhaesa aged well.

Making her way back to her desk, Jahrae switched her interface to external communication, and established a connection with Arrhazon, specifically to Chief of Government Gl’nsiel. Gl’nsiel came on directly, and each gave greeting to the other. “Gl’nsiel, we have our first actual proof of llhaesa’s presence on the Arrkarhara world – we are now monitoring their communications, and a short while ago, we intercepted a broadcast picture of llhaesa, who evidently was the subject of this broadcast.”

“That is excellent news, Jahrae! Would you mind if I share this news with Arrhazon? They know nothing of this mission, and I think it is time we go public.” This was one broadcast Gl’nsiel anticipated with much relish.

“Please feel free to share the news! I imagine the world will be rather holiday like tomorrow; it would be fun to witness this.” “How far out are you currently, Jahrae?”

“We are roughly 70 days away still; the days cannot pass by slower than now! There is an up side; I learn their language, the better to interact as we search for llhaesa.”

“Jahrae, I have not yet tasked you to this, and this is voluntary, you need not accept. I would like you to consider your role expanded to include ambassadorial envoy to their world.

From what you have shared, coupled with what we learn here, we adversely affected a hundred or more of their people through the actions of that team from our world. That was an unconscionable act of ill will, and I wish for you to extend my apologies and offer restitution of some form. Work to establish cordial relations if you sense such opportunity. I will send along formal authorisation sometime in the next day – should you choose to accept.”

“I accept, Gl’nsiel. Your request is in line with my thinking on this matter, and I would be honoured to carry such a message.”

“Before I go, Jahrae – your hair is striking! That length, the front with a startling look of fire as contrasted with your black hair, wow! Did you do this yourself?”

“Hardly and I thank you for your kindness! The styling is the vision of Oalessa, who proudly styles aboard the Equalist.”

“Time for me to visit Equalist then, next time she circles Arrhazon!” Gl’nsiel joked. “Well done, Jahrae.” Turning more toward encouragement, Gl’nsiel added, “the 70 days seem endless to their front side, but this time shall past quickly in retrospect. You have much to do and prepare for. When that time is up, we shall have a reunion for the ages!”

The two friends signed off, with Gl’nsiel calling her staff together to announce her intent to speak to Arrhazon without much delay. Within an hour Gl’nsiel’s staff scheduled airtime, for eight pm local time.

Precisely at eight, Gl’nsiel went live, on air. “Good evening. Over the last two months, information came forth that has left me biting my tongue in anticipation of the day when I could share this openly.

That time is now. Government archivists processing Brellian-era documents have uncovered information that led to a series of astounding discoveries. Because of the discoveries, I tasked a mission to follow up on the information, to seek out and attempt to bring closure.

This information indicated Brellian operatives took llhaesa t’yaeli’s body off world. We wished to locate her body and return it to Arrhazon, with her people. I asked Jahrae Khentavra to lead this mission. She and her team are actively working as we speak on board AISV Equalist.

Since leaving, more information has surfaced, information that llhaesa ahrella t’yaeli is in fact, alive. A few hours ago, I spoke with Jahrae, who shared with me an intercepted broadcast that mentioned llhaesa.

We have learned Brellian’s operatives brought llhaesa to the Arrkarhara system, and at this moment, AISV Equalist heads for that system. We have this broadcast along with translated subtext, and you may view it within the hour.

You will see llhaesa lying in a hospital bed. It is evident this world knows of her presence, and her presence is some cause for consternation on that world. Accordingly, AISV Equalist is on a rescue mission, with Jahrae in overall command.

Jahrae will serve as ambassadorial envoy to the Arrkarharan world. More details on this element will follow.

This is glorious news, and I trust a smile plies the face of each Arrhazonan with its learning.

Goodnight, and may llhaesa return home well of body, well of spirit! “