"Greeting to you, President Camari. I feel certain that it will."
"I remind you, President Narval, these are indeed desperate times. Extraordinary measures are essential if we are to preserve our civilizations, perhaps our species. Separately or collectively, we must be prepared to take risks for our survival. Do you agree?"
"Not only do I agree, Mr. President, but I shall remind you of your words as we proceed through these deliberations."
"So be it."
Camari nodded and turned away. With everyone's eyes on him, he strode to his place at the table, spread his arms again wide in welcome, and sat.
Greetings over, the Solar System's leaders took their places at the great table. Their advisors entered and took seats behind them.
The first convocation for the survival of the entire Solar Community was under way.
Chapter FORTY
Captain Hyk strode the bridge impatiently.
"Point Icarus in ten minutes," he reported to Drummer and Brad as they entered the tight compartment. "The Jovians and Saturnians are coming up fast, and the Neptune-Uranus team is close behind. Orders?"