The weather had cooled. A brisk wind was blowing in off the sea, and a few gray clouds drifted through the sky. The vehicles rolled away.

There was a lot of traffic on the road, cars and small trucks, all going the same direction, which was unusual. When they arrived, some vehicles had pulled over under the trees, but most of them, to her surprise, were in the middle of the beach, circling each other, apparently looking for parking places. It was the first time she’d seen anyone take a car out there. A few locals were pointing, sending vehicles in different directions, moving them into various positions. Kwylla looked for a place to park, couldn’t find one, and indicated she’d continue along the road. Ken and Hutch climbed out.

Beth and Derek were waiting. Hutch needed a minute to locate Arin, who was still behind the wheel. One of the Volarians was waving him into the rear of a line of parked cars. There were about seventy vehicles on the sand, in what appeared to be a meaningless arrangement of straight and angled lines. Some sunbathers were in the area, but they were being kept at a distance.

As more of the cars and trucks fell into place, Hutch realized what was going on at about the same time she overheard Beth telling her husband, “Use your imagination. Look at it from the sky.”

From above, the pattern of vehicles could be read: BK IN 3 WKS

•  •  •

It was a good idea. But there was a problem. On this mission, it seemed, there was always a problem. There were a lot of clouds. Wally might not be able to see the island, let alone the message.

Arin got out of his car with obvious frustration. He talked with a couple of the Volarians who were directing traffic and then, staring at the sky, joined the humans. He signaled for patience, but it was clear he wasn’t taking his own advice. The sky was becoming increasingly overcast.

Kwylla arrived a few minutes later and tried to calm him. But he only shook his head and said something to her that produced a weak smile. A light rain began to fall. Three of the guys who’d been directing traffic were standing nearby. Arin grumbled something and walked over. The conversation became tense, but as the rain thickened, they came to a decision. He and the others spread out among the cars and talked to the drivers. The cars began to leave.

“Ken,” said Hutch, “thank Arin for us, and ask him to pass our appreciation on to the people who came out here today.”

“I will,” he said. “Let’s go home.”

Arin came back and talked briefly with Ken. Then Ken gave them the good news: “They’re going to try again tomorrow.”

•  •  •