“UFO groups have begun gathering, predicting everything from imminent extraterrestrial contact, to the coming of interstellar arks to transport humanity to an unspoiled paradise, to a punitive force ready to destroy humanity for our poor stewardship of the Earth.”

“Any resemblance to actual reality is totally coincidental,” Sheldon opined. “You humans are incapable of concentrating long enough to get the most basic facts straight. Sometimes it even seems like you take perverse pride in getting them as wrong as possible.”

“Naw … Facts are just boring. We have a saying: Never let the facts get in the way of a good story.” I turned and grinned up at the Halo, resting on its landing pads in the barn’s open area. “But if it’ll make you feel better—”

Sheldon interrupted me. “Sorry, Jack. It appears my time may in fact be up. The Gen have just contacted me and extended an invitation. A nonoptional one. Failure to comply would place us permanently in the pirate category.”

“Dammit.” I compressed my lips for a moment. “Well, might as well get it over with. Send an acknowledgment. Then call everyone and tell them we’ll pick them up.”

The Halo floated out the open wagon doors, then accelerated rapidly into the air. In ten seconds, we were hovering behind Patrick’s garage.

Patrick came out of the house, looked around, then made a lowering gesture in our general direction. Sheldon lowered the airlock stairs, and Patrick boarded. In a few moments, he came into the conference room door and took a seat. The view then shifted rapidly as Sheldon flew to Natalie’s home.

Soon Natalie was on board as well, and there was no more delay to be had. I swiveled my chair indecisively a few times, then looked up. “Take us to wherever they want to meet, Sheldon.”

“Is there any kind of preparation we can make?” Patrick asked. “Should we leave someone on board so they can’t blow Sheldon up? Or would they just do it anyway?”

“The Gen aren’t barbarians, Patrick. They wouldn’t destroy a ship so casually. But I must admit, I’d feel safer with one of you on board.”

“I’ll stay, then,” Patrick said. “And I’ll barricade the airlocks if I have to.”

“We will be landing in a docking bay. But I appreciate the thought.”

“Anything else we should know?” Nat asked.

“The Gen are not violent or unreasonable, but they are proud and perhaps somewhat inflexible in their opinions. As I mentioned previously, they are very by-the-book.”

“Vulcans,” Nat muttered.

“Not incorrect. They will not tolerate prevarication and prefer straightforward speech. Do not go out of your way to offend them, but do speak directly and frankly.”

I nodded. “Got it.”

“The fleet is stationed in low-altitude station-keeping on the far side of your moon, so that they can decloak. It will be quite visually impressive. You should consider moving to the bridge for final approach.”