In the vicinity of a quasar within the Komburg-Kravtsov-Lukash LQG 1
comes transmissions from an unknown entity, blaring radio signals toward Earth
over a frequency that only a few so far have picked up, and none of those
receiving it are terrestrial. So it goes. Earth is deprived once again of the
true wonder inherent in life beyond our solar system.
Turns out that Markaria Rho is the name of the entity blasting this
information, which is picked up in the form of musical recordings. I happen to
be an interstellar traveler, a space pirate, a smuggler, a scoundrel, and I’ve
been to Markaria Rho’s home planet, and they’ve given me a so-called “cassette
tape” with the message on it. “Take this,” they said, “those Earth people aren’t
getting our broadcast on their primitive instruments, so we’ve taken emergency
measures and embedded it on this plastic windy spool thingy. Somebody on that
planet ought to know what to do with it. We think it’s goofy looking, but what
do we know.”
They described a group of musicians in Perm, Russia, who had the
wherewithal and broad mindset to distribute it. And distribute it they did. Now
the people of Earth know that Markaria Rho is heavily indebted to psychedelic
music both old and new – Genesis, Flaming Lips, Pink Floyd, Spiritualized, Yes.
They’re speaking our language, trying to tell us something. What is it? Might
it save the entire planet from destroying itself? What do I care, I’m just the
messenger. C’mon Chewie, let’s do some crimes.
--Ryan Masteller