Metafire

"Yes, I suppose I can send them email. You won't permit us to establish verbal or video contacts over the Internet, will you?"

"No, we won't. But we will let you send a short digital video that we approve."

"What do you want me to say in this video?"

"We want you to tell your people to open communications with us. We have decided to hold. We will not attack your people. We want to understand what they want, and what they need. We will be happy with just email, but we are also prepared to establish Internet video links with headquarters here."

"I can do that, but I don't control them. Both the Metafire One and Metafire Two capsules are independently operated by pretty headstrong people. Will you let us talk among ourselves?"

"No, only this video from you and paraphrased email. I am sorry Dr. O'Leary, but we must establish independent communications with each of your units."

"Fine. I will have your video in a moment." Dr. O'Leary looked into the camera on top of his computer monitor and started recording. "Friends, I've been asked to contact you in this way. We will not be permitted communication except through paraphrased email. Evidently they suspect us of hidden messages. The FBI seems to be in charge. We, in Sante Fe, are under arrest. The FBI person in charge is named John. He wishes to speak with you. He has promised he will not use force against you. He has indicated that if you will talk, he will continue provisioning you. He wants to know what you want. He wants to open communications with you. He asks that you respond to FBI messages." Then Dr. O'Leary looked down and back up into the camera. "Angela, George, Frank, I hope you are well. Andrei, Platon, too. We are well."