“Purely on a voluntary basis.” Yoab looked content with the decision that had been reached. “Anyone who wishes to remain behind on the old world is certainly welcome to do so. But in response to the concerns conveyed by maskil Zimmer, we do feel an obligation after all this time to offer refuge to any who would seek it. Those who do will undoubtedly find our contemporary society strange and possibly alien, but they will also find things that are familiar. While it is true that a great deal of time has passed, we feel confident they, and certainly their children, will be able to integrate smoothly with Gadeu civilization.”

Zimmer sounded tentative. “That doesn’t do anything for those who choose to remain behind, on Earth.”

“On the contrary,” Nehorai countered, “by demonstrating the ability to move so many individuals offworld, the transfer should plant in the minds of those who would do evil that there are forces in the universe that can also create problems for any who might seek to take advantage of the change in population. It is the best we can do, the most we can offer. A new life for those bold enough to grasp it, and safety from any form of persecution.”

“What about the aliens who originally took the two tribes off Earth?” Dev pointed out. “And other aliens? You have never had any problems with them? No hostilities?”

She eyed him pityingly. “Why would intelligent species fight among themselves when there is so much more to be gained by cooperating? The galaxy is vast and dark, and sentients dwell far apart. Contact brings relief that one has friends. Loneliness is invalid as an impetus for conflict. The reverse is true.”

Dev turned to the older couple. It seemed that, finally, Jakob Zimmer had given up on any thoughts of threatening Israel’s neighbors. Instead of his people leaving their enemies in peace they now had the opportunity to simply leave them, period.

“How do you think the Israelis will respond, Jakob?”

The older man (a maskil, Maacah had called him) was still struggling to grasp the import of the Gadeu proposal.

“Certainly, many will jump at the offer. After all, most of their own ancestors came to Israel from elsewhere. Europe after the Second World War, the many countries in the Middle East that have made it impossible for Jews to live there, even the United States. Africa, too.” A new thought caused him to glance at his wife before turning back to the Gadeu.

“What about non-Jews who are married to Jews? Or adopted children? What proportion of Jewish ancestry does one have to have to qualify for transfer?”

Nehorai looked to her companions before replying. “I would think a quarter or so would be sufficient. Anything less, including conversions whether recent or ancient, will likely have to be decided on an individual basis. We will take all who can qualify. Ambiguous determinations will be left to the Council machines.”