Cosmic Resonance

For years the flying rhinoceros received the same signal from beyond the stars: boom—pause—boom. The crew called it proof that someone in the universe was searching for them. They crossed blue distances, carrying instruments, charts and a woman who listened from the wing. Near the edge of the mapped sky, the signal weakened.

Everyone panicked except her. She pressed her ear against the rhinoceros and heard the same rhythm inside his chest. The distant caller had been his own heartbeat, reflected by a ring of silent moons. He lowered his head, embarrassed.

‘Then we are alone,’ said the captain. ‘No,’ the woman replied. ‘We finally know who has been asking to be heard.’ They turned home, listening all the way.