Nora took a deep breath as the doors to the United Nations diplomatic chamber opened. This was the first formal meeting between selected human representatives and the alien intelligence that had guided whale and human evolution.
Inside, multiple global officials sat around a large round table, with several screens mounted on the walls. Nora recognized key ambassadors and scientists, but also spiritual leaders and cultural dignitaries chosen for their wisdom.
The Secretary-General stood. "Welcome all. Today we take the first steps in an historic dialogue. We come not in fear or judgment, but openness and trust."
He nodded to Nora, who activated the radio-wave transmitter linking to the extraterrestrial entity's undersea habitation. The screens flickered, displaying a complex waveform pattern - impenetrable to the unaided eye, but signifying connection.
A synthesized voice emanated from the speakers, translating the alien communication: "People of Earth, we are joyous at this epochal moment of contact..."
The envoys around the table tensed, but allowed the message to continue uninterrupted. The voice spoke of potential, of mind joining mind across light years. But it did not shy away from past actions, acknowledging the need for transparency and forgiveness.
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When complete, the Secretary-General responded. "We too hope for understanding between our kinds. But manipulation, however well-intended, cannot be the path. As equals we must walk together."
Other officials echoed his emphasis on agency and consent, without condemnation. The exchange was difficult at times, but Nora was proud of humanity's poise and restraint. The conversation only brightened gradually, like stars emerging at dusk.
The alien intelligence seemed to listen intently, tailoring its concepts to align with human values as it learned them. It even displayed a sense of humor, gently joking that whales were in some ways easier communication partners.
After hours, the Secretary-General finally announced they had reached a preliminary Covenant of mutual exploration and ethics for future exchange. The extraterrestrials agreed not to influence humanity without full consent and transparency. Their knowledge would be freely shared, but human advancement would remain self-directed.
Nora watched as the delegates around the table shook hands warmly, all sensing the profundity of this first contact. Differences vast as galaxies still loomed. But today, the long night had begun to thaw.
She left the chamber silently as the officials celebrated. Outside, beneath the pale Moon, she raised her eyes to the glittering sky. Each star a beacon now, no longer cold and remote. From across the eternal depths, a hand had reached out. And finally, tentatively, humanity grasped it.