:43:03
Mathematics is the
only truly universal language.
:43:06
It's no coincidence
that they're using primes.
:43:09
I don't get it.
:43:10
Prime numbers.
:43:11
Integers only divisible
by themselves and 1 .
:43:18
We think this may be a beacon,
an announcement...
:43:21
...to get our attention.
:43:22
If it's attention you want,
you got that. One thing: Vega.
:43:26
People have looked at Vega for years,
with no results.
:43:30
Yesterday they start
broadcasting primes. Why?
:43:33
It's hardly yesterday.
:43:34
The signal's been transmitting
for 26 years.
:43:38
Excuse me, who are you?
:43:40
Michael Kitz,
National Security Advisor.
:43:42
Your reputation--
:43:44
First, ask the gentlemen
with the guns to wait outside.
:43:48
This is a civilian facility.
:43:56
With all due respect--
:43:57
Excuse me.
:44:00
Hi! I'm so glad you're back!
:44:02
Come hear this.
:44:04
Is this great?
:44:06
- Who are all these people?
- I have no idea.
:44:08
Sit down. We need help
with the spectrum analysis.
:44:11
- I'll get on it.
- Headsets.
:44:13
I'll just come right to the point.
:44:15
Announcing this all over the world may
well be a breach of national security.
:44:19
It's not a person-to-person call.
:44:21
You think a civilization sending this
message intends it just for Americans?
:44:25
You might have consulted us.
:44:27
- The contents could be very sensitive.
- You want to classify prime numbers?
:44:32
Due to earth's rotation, we're
in line with Vega only hours a day.
:44:35
The only way to monitor the signal
is to cooperate with other stations.
:44:40
If Dr. Arroway hadn't acted quickly,
we'd have lost key elements.
:44:44
Fine, they've got the primes.
:44:46
But if a more significant
transmission is to come--
:44:49
We need help to receive and decode.
:44:51
You understand
that my job is to protect....
:44:54
- Listen.
- I hear it.
:44:57
Hear what?
:44:58
Harmonic.
:44:59
Bingo! I had Willie ask Rattan
to retune to 8.9247 gigahertz.