← Back to Concept Index

cosmic-signals

The emergence of a second, incomprehensible signal from space introduces themes of uncertainty and the search for meaning beyond their immediate understanding.

1 chapter across 1 book

Children of Time (2015)Adrian Tchaikovsky

Chapter 25

In this chapter, the giant creature known as Portia is studied by scholars who debate its purpose and intelligence, ultimately concluding it is simple and mute. After its death, the spiders discover a second, chaotic signal from the cosmos, leading to speculation about its meaning and a sense of loss when the signal ceases.