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(Page 2 of 2) Time by Thomas EverettThey look a lot like us, apparently; a little taller, their skin a little darker. Their sun is of a similar size, though they never told us its location. Speculation is rife, and a couple of dozen star systems have been championed as possibilities by one astronomer or another. After a time, when they became aware of these speculations, humanity was politely asked to desist. We did not know why, at the time.
The Skarin were peaceful, too, and interested in cultural exchange. Their scientists worked with ours. Certain areas of our technology have felt the benefit of their touch. Much to humanity's surprise, we also found there were things that we could teach them. Apparently, their grasp of genetics is much improved.
After seven years of this beneficial exchange, their colony was established on our planet. It was unclear, however, exactly what they wanted from us.
Human ambassadors- explorers, much like myself, I imagine, requested passage to the Skarin homeworld. The requests were politely refused, every time.
After nine years, Earth's governments learned that the Skarin are at war.
This knowledge came without warning, unbidden from the skies like the Skarin had come before. The Skarin were discovered, and subsequently eradicated by their enemies, who we surmise did not want a Skarin outpost in this arm of the galaxy. Our last communication from them consisted of an apology for the devastation they had brought upon us. We still do not know who these mysterious enemies are, only that they are only hostile to space-faring races likely to be a threat to them.
My wife and I look forward to the days we shall have together. She will show me what is left of Earth.
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