“In my conversation with the golems, I have learned that the vessel in which they arrived is very similar in function to the one on which we have been voyaging. That is hardly surprising. By that I mean to say it is designed for transporting cargo and other non-organic materials. The only difference is that it is notably larger. I have been shown images. To efficiently perform its assigned functions, it is equipped with a number of what we would call ‘tractor’ beams. Directed energy designed to move objects large and small from orbit into its cargo bays. Sometimes very large objects. Such directed energy is capable of shifting the position of inorganic objects many times larger than what can actually fit inside this or that ship.” He indicated their surroundings. “While not as capacious, this craft is equipped with similar devices.”

Tired and concerned as he was, Dev failed to grasp fully what Zimmer was trying to tell him. “You are going to have the robots throw cargoes of rocks?”

Irritated now, the older man found himself forced to elaborate. “Not cargoes of rocks. Just rocks. To begin, one very large rock. A small asteroid, to be precise.”

The hairs on the back of Dev’s neck stood up as the amiable, avuncular scholar continued.

“I can’t work the exact math, but the golems can. We’ll find something of a size and mass suitable to make, if you will pardon the pun, an impression on those on the receiving end.”

Dev stared at his colleague. Or rather, at the aged thing that was presently inhabiting the older man’s body. Certainly, Zimmer was not acting like the kindly, reflective professorial type Dev had come to know.

“You are speaking of engineering an extraterrestrial impact. Killing thousands, maybe millions of people.”

“Nonsense!” Zimmer was properly irate. “It will be a carefully calibrated demonstration. I’ll select an appropriately empty place in the general, wider area of conflict. Perhaps somewhere in the middle of the Rub’ al Khali or the Dasht-e Lut. Nothing too overwhelming, but sufficient to convince those in the region who have demonstrated inimical intentions toward the state of Israel that it would be in their best interests to conclude permanent treaties of peace between all affected and interested parties. Otherwise,” and he shrugged meaningfully, “the second rock will be larger, and differently targeted.”

Dev gazed hard at the older man. “You would not actually countenance something like that.”

“Of course not. Call it a bluff with some cards revealed. Those on the ground will have no way of judging the actual intentions of those hovering in orbit.”

“Do you not think that some will find it suspicious that aliens would intervene in Earthly politics? Not to mention on the side of one particular political entity in favor of others?”