“It is a new world,” he replied immediately. “A chance to see another corner of the galaxy, and maybe more. I have dreamed of such a thing all my life. It informed my maturation and led to my choice of career. But you are correct: I do not qualify.” He paused a moment before adding, “The fact that the visitors are the descendants of early Jews does not affect the way I feel. I would just as happily go with one of the many non-human species if they would take me. But if I learned one thing from my recent experience it is this: just because some aliens are intelligent does not mean they are either warlike or philanthropists. Why would they take me or anyone else to settle among them if we have nothing to offer them? The situation with regards to the Gadeu is different. They are making room for distant relatives. Myself, alas, I do not have any relatives among the stars.”

He looked over at Colonel Davis. “You can rest assured that the Gadeu have no malicious designs on Earth because we have nothing to offer them. They have everything they need on their own worlds. They do not need our water or any of our resources because they are a part of a galactic civilization.” His tone hardened slightly. “‘Conquering’ backward worlds, whatever that means, would gain them nothing.” His attention shifted to an admiral who had earlier given voice to hesitation and uncertainty. “With regards to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the same can be said for any thought of revenge, which they regard as an antique concept that they left behind when they were taken off Earth. Besides, who would they seek revenge against? The Assyrians? Babylonians?”

Wang spoke up again. “Notions of revenge for ancient wrongs aside, what is to prevent them from taking action against those entities in the Middle East that continue to threaten the nation of Israel? Some of which,” she added as diplomatically as possible, “are important suppliers of strategic resources to the US.”

Dev spread his hands. “Nothing. Except they insist that interminable conflict has nothing to do with them. Those Israelis who want to stay and sustain their country can continue to do so. Those who would prefer to leave for a new life of guaranteed safety and adventure will do so. My own feeling is that a considerable portion of the population of that very small country will opt to take up the offer to emigrate.”

“What happens to those who choose to stay behind?” asked another colonel.

“Their safety will be guaranteed by the Gadeu.”

The officer leaned forward, his tone intense. “How? By what means? Did you learn anything of their military capability?”