COMMUNICATIONS IN THE GALAXY

	While the hardware and processes have been thoroughly described, 
the basic concept of communications is more important than the preceding 
sections might imply. In a very real sense, the unceasing beat of life in the 
galaxy is dependent upon communications. Multiple levels of organization 
exist in the Milky Way, ranging from 10· cm to 10º km. Quarks and 
subatomic particles populate the lower end and lead to larger structures, 
through molecules, organic chemicals, and bioforms. At the higher end, 
atoms assemble into planets, solar systems, stellar clusters, and density 
waves in the galaxy. Each new level exhibits its own paradigm governing 
interactions, the exchange of energy and information.

	As sentient beings developed and progressed outward toward space, 
the exchange of information provided the necessary constant stimulus to 
learn more about the surrounding universe and to pursue the exploration of 
the galaxy. Contact among different cultures has led to real communications, 
in part facilitated by subspace transmission methods.

	While a small fraction of early contacts has resulted in hostilities, 
through misinterpretations of intentions or actual aggressive movement, 
most cultural compatibility problems have been solved through determined 
negotiations once common meeting grounds were found.

	In the view of many scholars, the entire Milky Way galaxy is 
experiencing a gradual acceleration in the rate of overall development 
because of continuing communications between sentient beings. The 
FederationÕs Prime Directive notwithstanding, a number of technological 
civilizations are Òcatching upÓ at various rates, leading to what some 
consider will be an inevitable single broad leading edge of exploration and 
scientific discovery. The exact direction this wave front will take will remain 
an unknown, just as the future has always remained unknown. Tantalizing 
glimmers, however, will still be seen and shared, helping us to deal with the 
unexpected while preserving the excitement and sense of accomplishment.  
Æ