Metafire

Ferguson decided to be difficult, "George, your email says 'god' at Metafire dot com. I hope that didn't go to your head. What makes you think we will agree to this?"

"I'm not trying to be God, John. I'm trying to make sure that we can go on our way, and that you can get your people back. We can't menace society if we are on our way to Saturn! Do you agree, John? Did you get a judge to pass the appropriate judgement, or whatever it was that you wanted the time for?"

Ferguson was not going to answer this guy, yet. He decided to change the subject. "Did you see your article in USA Today? It sure surprised us!"

"Yes, John. We saw the article. We figured that the article was the reason you went off the deep end yesterday and sent in your agents. We have also noted that all our communications are suspended. Whoever is trying to cover that up is doing a lousy job."

Ferguson looked over at Jill. Jill had gotten in early that morning, but the whole task of getting selected information into and out of the Metafire colony was hopeless. She looked at Ferguson, smiled slightly, and shrugged her shoulders.

George decided to get nasty, "John. I want your answer now. Steven is bound up. He just woke. You are going to find out that he is dead if you don't answer me. Do you understand!"