The aircraft caught Derek’s attention. “It’s antigravity.”

“If they’ve been around as long as we think,” said Hutch, “I’d be surprised if they didn’t have it.”

“Is that where we’re landing?” he asked.

“I think so.” There were a terminal and three other buildings, one shaped like an open-ended donut. “They’ve got some stuff pulling in.” Black cars. There were two of them on the ground. Three or four more were arriving.

Derek looked hesitant. “I guess Shalon has come to say hello.”

“Or take us out,” said Hutch. “We sure we want to do this?”

“If we don’t, we’re feeding Arin and everyone else to the black hole. This might be the only chance they have. Anyhow, it’s probably just a security measure. Let’s relax.” They fit themselves with ear pods so they could hear Tasha’s translations. Derek had prepared Tasha for the meeting, explaining where the discussion would probably go, the topics that were likely to surface, and how she should represent him. Hopefully, he’d be able to follow the conversation and, if need be, intervene and provide a response for Tasha.

She broke in: “Shalon Kobay calling.” Tasha switched to a different voice and translated Shalon: “You will be coming in on the—” She stopped and returned to her normal tone, describing what she was hearing: “Shalon is trying to signify a direction, but I cannot pin it down.”

Hutch gave Tasha an instruction which she relayed: “Can you blink a light to signify where you want us to land?”

“Understood. Also, we have stopped all air traffic.”

Hutch acknowledged. A set of lights near the terminal came on and began to flicker.

Shalon came back: “I am in one of the black cars, which I am sure you can see. They will form a circle. Come down in the center of the circle. May I ask where your journey originated?”

Tasha responded with a prepared answer: “We are from a world much like this one. But very far.”

“We are extremely excited,” said Shalon. “Nothing like this has ever happened here before.”

The cars formed a ring on the landing field. Doors opened and the occupants climbed out. At first, Hutch thought they were in dark uniforms, but as they got closer, she realized they were simply dark clothes. With one exception: One set of garments consisted of a red jacket and gray slacks. She was relieved to see no weapons. They were all looking up at the incoming lander. Historic moment for them. For everybody.

“Going in, Derek,” she said.

She descended gently among the vehicles, touched down, and shut off the engine. “Hutch.” Derek’s voice sounded intense. “Stay with the lander. I’ll close the hatch when I leave. If there’s any kind of issue out there, get this thing off the ground.” He pulled a commlink out of his pocket.

“Wait a minute. I didn’t know—”