“Let’s assume these mons … the visitors,” the president said, “do want something we can’t provide. Then what? Do we fight back? General McKendrick?”

The reply by the head of the Joint Chiefs was solemn but firm. “We already have every available weapon that might reasonably be expected to reach the alien mothership trained on it.”

In the conference room at the Space Center, murmurs of dismay came from Dev and the Zimmers. Despite his indignation, Dev noticed that Reed did not respond in kind. He more or less expected that. What surprised him was that Pavesi remained equally composed at the general’s announcement. What, he wondered, might be hiding inside that marvelous memory?

McKendrick continued. “I have been and remain in touch with General Marchand in Brussels, General Jian in Beijing, and Field Marshal Rybokov in Moscow. They have prepared likewise, in the event such a decision becomes inevitable. We have all agreed to act in concert should the necessity arise. I pray that it does not.”

“We don’t know what kind of weapons systems they have.” Dev and his colleagues looked at the usually reticent Reed in surprise. “They’ve threatened to destroy entire cities. If they can do that, it’s likely that they can deal with anything we can throw at them. They might have anti-missile devices. Or defensive shields we can’t imagine.”

Dev looked from Reed back to the main screen. “I have to object to any such course of action, Mr. President. Fighting back, even from a posture of defense, might only enrage the visitors. It could spur them to deal out even worse devastation. They might unleash enough firepower to destroy not just several cities but the entirety of human civilization.”

It was dead quiet in all the rooms, from Houston to Washington—until Katou-Zimmer spoke up in her sharp, clipped tones.

“If they need something from us, from a structured civilization, then if they destroy us, they won’t get it.”

“Yes. Yes, that’s likely true.” Not only the science advisor but everyone in both the Oval Office and at the Pentagon looked at least mildly relieved.

“So we’re back to the main question.” The president’s frustration was palpable. “Can we give them what they want so that they’ll spit harmlessly on us but otherwise leave us in peace?”

“I imagine we will find out tomorrow, Mr. President,” Dev responded, “when we have our second meeting. Until then, I suggest everyone get some sleep.”