The central hall was huge, and the round table at its center wide enough to accommodate them all. Massive chairs were at the table, and behind each a row of smaller chairs to accommodate the lessors. A holoview tank, suspended halfway to the overhead, glowed softly. The walls were festooned with the emblems and insignia of all Nations in attendance. Arriving under the arch, the Leaders paused. President Camari stepped away from his chair, his open arms an invitation to all to enter and join him at the table. Entering and approaching the table, the Leaders turned to right and left to greet each other. Formality aside for the moment, they expressed their pleasure at seeing one another again, or in meeting for the first time. They came together at the table and formed small groups. Camari and Narval took each other's measure as they worked their way forward. Camari, as host, paused at each knot or singular meeting to shake hands and express his pleasure to each Head of State for accepting his invitation. Politicians all, supreme diplomats of the Solar Community, they accommodated to the occasion and replied in kind. Camari and Narval came face to face. Silence gripped the room. "Greetings, President Narval," Camari said, "your presence at this conference will contribute much to its success." "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?" "You'll get yours with the rest, Har," Drummer's tone reflected his tension. He turned to Brad. "Brad, I wish to address the Commanders of all Plutonian ships. Set up closed communications, please." "Yes, sir." Brad strode to the console he and Drummer had used to assess the fleet's status a short while before. He detached a microphone from the bulkhead nearby, keyed the computer, and spoke.