“What does it matter if some do?” Zimmer spread his hands wide. “A rock from space is a rock from space. No one, no government in the region, will have time to analyze motives. They will all move quickly to ensure they do not face imminent annihilation. The reasons for the aliens’ actions they will debate later. What matters are the treaties that will result, and finally settling the mess that the Middle East has become.”

Dev took a deep breath. “No matter what guarantees the mechanicals give you, no matter how accurate and efficient the sophisticated cargo-handling capabilities they may claim, there is no way you can be absolutely certain some people on the ground will not be killed. Nomads in the deserts, travelers exploring, scientific teams on site: all those and many more could be in your target area. If you do not at least provide minimal warning, lives could be lost.”

Zimmer replied without hesitation. “Lives are already being lost to violence in the Middle East. If nothing changes, lives will continue to be lost. It has been so for thousands of years. Now there is a chance, perhaps, to put a stop to it—hopefully without hurting anything except some politicians’ egos. You are correct, Dev, that my proposal carries with it no assurances. No absolutes. But considering what might be achieved I feel it is a risk worth taking.” His voice steeled. Suddenly he didn’t sound quite so professorial. “I feel it is a risk that must be taken. If a few lives need be lost today in return for saving thousands tomorrow, I would gladly volunteer myself to be one of them.” Turning, he once again faced the three mechanicals.

I am bigger than him, Dev told himself. I am younger and stronger than him. I can prevent this.

Before Zimmer could address the golems, Dev rushed the older man.

And promptly found himself flat on his back. Dazed, he blinked as he saw a sympathetic Zimmer peering down at him. Looking on impassively, the three robots had made no move to intervene.

“Judo is an ancient method of self-defense, Dev. I hope I didn’t hurt you.” Still stunned, the younger man supine on the deck did not reply. “If you try to interfere again, I am afraid I will have to ask one of our mechanical acquaintances to restrain you. That would extend to having one of them utilize a limb to cover your mouth so that you cannot interfere with the instructions I am preparing to deliver. That would not be fatal, but it could prove uncomfortable.”