Most governments tried talking to them. Others made demands to silent visitors. Meanwhile, television and the internet were full of speculation. Every day was more time to study our planet and figure out our weaknesses some said. Russia got fed up and launched a missile. Seemed awfully stupid. If it worked, you had a mile of white crystal raining down on a city and the people under it.

And you started an intergalactic war.

I remembered the missile dissolving into grey dust and blowing away in the wind.

Eventually, the ships opened, and we got our first look at aliens. Figured they had pointed ears, or be some blob with tentacles but no… they were human – sorta. Taller and wider than most men. Purple eyes and spotted skin stretched over hard muscle. So much, they’d put our bodybuilders to shame.

In instinct, I flexed my arm and saw a hint of the bicep. It was a man’s arm… technically. My sis, Becky teased she was stronger than me.

Yeah, well… she got lucky during those fights. Also helps her that she’s taller.

Wish I had my Pa’s height. Instead, I got the same messy mop of hair as my Ma used to say. Although mine is still brown. Beyond that, I take after my Ma more. Folks say I look like her especially around the cheekbones.

Maybe it’s because we had the same height?

My Pa’s drawn-out voice took me out my daydream. “I’d leave all this to you Peter, but…”

I nodded. Not much more needed saying. Thanks to the Volardi, you didn’t need real meat. They had these crystal boxes that could make most items. No weapons of course or high-end stuff.

If you didn’t exceed the monthly allowance, most material needs were met. You could have a ready to eat hamburger, a bottle of Jack, or a new set of clothes. I suppose it kept people from getting too hungry or miserable if you couldn’t find work.

It didn’t pay rent, property taxes, college, medical bills, and a hundred other things you still owed.

“Thought they’d solve our problems,” I said.

My Pa laughed, but it sounded hollow as he looked down into my eyes. “Let me give you some truth son. When good things happen, they reach us poor people last.” He coughed, and each follow-up hack was louder. My lips thinned. He wasn’t old, but the coughs were longer and louder than before. Years of farm work, side jobs in the coal mines, and cigarettes weren’t a good combination.

I took a step toward our house and waited. He was the man of the house and I couldn’t disrespect him by telling him what to do – even if it was subtle. I tried to teach my sister that lesson.

Pa finished his coughing fit before he nodded. His voice was raspy when he spoke. “Let’s get to the house boy. See if your sister’s gotten dinner ready for us.”

I’ll believe it when I see it.