59.      Another One

Hal receives a message from Bill relaying urgent news: a squad of Others vessels has been detected leaving GL 877 and heading toward GL 54, where Mario and the Bobs are currently stationed. The situation may escalate to formal First Contact, and Hal must decide whether to alter his course.

Hal is eighteen months into his journey to GL 54 when he receives an email from Bill. Bill informs him that a squadron of Others vessels has been detected departing GL 877 and heading toward GL 54. While Bill notes that other nearby systems have already been stripped of resources, suggesting this could be routine scavenging, the situation is being taken seriously. Mario has decided to evacuate GL 54, taking all his equipment with him. The Bobs plan to leave observation drones behind and attempt communication with the Others using one drone, with the contingency that they will destroy it if the Others respond aggressively by targeting an asteroid weapon at them. Bill warns Hal that formal First Contact with the Others may be imminent and suggests Hal consider rerouting his journey.