The microphone idea produced results. Amongst the noises of water moving and the gurgling of the volcanic vent, the scientists heard the first “words” spoken by a creature on Iotan. Buzzing mixed with something a bit like echoed laughter. As if a hyena had it out with an electric razor. The scientists recorded every minute of it. And soon, the Monks got to work trying to translate.
They had a natural ability to figure out alien languages. While they couldn’t instantaneously understand them, the Monks said that there were a finite number of ways to communicate. This number was drastically reduced when that communication came in the form of vocal noises. It shouldn’t be long at all before they deciphered this new language.
Cillian was mildly interested in their findings, but for the most p
