“You mean a destroyer? Yes, of course we know about those. There’s one now not so far. Fortunately, it’s not headed in our direction.”

“That’s the one I was referring to.”

“Oh yes. Of course. Is that what you call it? A black hole?”

“Yes.”

“An intriguing name for a cloud with teeth.” Tasha broke in to explain that “cloud with teeth” was the best translation she could manage.

“How does it happen you no longer have interstellar vehicles?”

“We lost them centuries ago. We decided, apparently, that we had no use for them. As a result”—he shrugged—“they’re gone.”

“You of all people,” said Derek.

“What do you mean?”

“It’s okay. Let it go.”

“I would not have planned it this way. Losing the interstellars. But reality is what happens to you while you are setting up the future. We thought we were providing the best sort of life for our people.” He paused. “Actually, now that I think of it, we do have one.”

“An interstellar? Excellent. Is it available?”

“It is at the space station. Unfortunately, we would not trust it in flight. It has been inactive for years.”

“Tell me about the evacuation of Adjuban. Did they get everyone off? Were they able to save everybody?”

“It’s a legend, Derek.”

“According to the legend?”

“It doesn’t go into that kind of detail. There is something interesting, though—”

“What’s that?”

“You may have just solved a biological question: Nobody’s been able to explain why our genetic system doesn’t match with the other life-forms on the planet.” He grinned. “Well done, Derek.” He was laughing at the absurdity of the idea. Then his phone sounded. He opened it. “Kobay.” He listened for a moment. Then: “Yes. Of course.” He looked up. “President Zakow wishes to speak with you.”

Tasha switched to still another male voice. “Friend Derek, we are pleased to welcome you to Tarka.”

Hutch had expected a video image to form somewhere. But there was only the audio.

“Thank you, sir. We are happy to have this opportunity to visit. You have a beautiful world.”

“It is good of you say so. If there is anything we can do to enhance your experience, please do not hesitate to ask. The director represents me and the world, and you may rely on any commitment he makes. Be advised we are happy to have you stay with us as long as you wish.”

“Thank you, sir. We have not yet solidified our plans. We are on a mission.”

“May I ask what that mission is?”

“We have come across a world with intelligent beings that lies in the path of a massive dark object that, in two or three generations, will destroy it. We would like to help them. To prevent their being killed.”

“I hope you can make it happen.”