Looking around the table he could see that a few of the military representatives did not believe him—but the majority did. In the coming days, the suspicious were likely to be won over, although there would always be some who would continue to believe that something sinister lay behind the visitors’ efforts.

Wang pressed him. “To reconfirm: the Gadeuans’ offer is only for modern-day descendants of the original ten tribes of Israel?”

Dev nodded. “That is what I have been told. DNA and adjunct methods will be used to determine who qualifies. Converts will be accommodated, where possible, on an individual basis.”

“Gonna be a lot of converts over the next months, I reckon.” Despite being first and foremost a military officer charged with the defense of his country, General Martens’ sense of humor reflected his down-home rural Texas upbringing. “Gonna be some busy rabbis hard at work in some strange places.”

“Money will not buy anyone an invite offworld.” Dev was straightforward in relaying what Maacah and Nahorai had told him. “I was just told that the Gadeu have ways and means of separating the covetous from the sincere. In any event, spouses and children of descendants will be given first priority.”

“We’d do the same if a group of people tried to emigrate here,” Amotenada remarked.

Interlocking his fingers on the table, Natase leaned forward for a better view of Dev. “How many are these Gadeuans talking about taking?”

“They did not give a final number. From what I gather, insofar as is feasible they will take whoever qualifies who wants to go. Those chosen will have a chance to start a new life on a new world.” He looked around the table. “I suspect there may be some difficulties when the full nature of their program is announced. There will be many who will want to go who will not come near to qualifying.” His voice lowered. “Myself, for example.”

One of the officers frowned at him. “You’re not Jewish, Mukherjee. Yet you’d want to go?”