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“Theron, I fear you’ve been cooped up in this space station too long.”
    I laughed with embarrassment. “So it may be, my friend.”
    Atticus tilted his head, directing my view. “That extravagantly dressed man is Morion Morpheme, Prime Elitist of Mars. Like most of the Mars Elitists, he looks down on all who are not of his class. He’s egocentric, condescending, and, as you’ll soon discover, intolerable.” Atticus directed my attention to another man. “And over there, standing more than a foot taller than all who surround him, is Orsteen Hunn of the Mercury Miners. Don’t let his rugged features and grim expression fool you—his true nature is that of good spirit and kindness.” Atticus spun slowly on his heels, so to face the opposite direction. “Standing beside that weeping willow tree and surrounded by her security team is Allienora Chang, Prime Minister of Earth.”
    I saw her and was speechless.
    “I thought you might react in such a way,” said Atticus.
    “She looks like Cassandra.”
    “Indeed.”
    I admired her for a long moment, relishing the similarities she shared with my dead wife—blue piercing eyes, full, sensual lips, and an air of confidence. She wore a vibrant aquamarine gown of ultra-fine fabric. Her golden hair was upswept in a spectacular fashion, as to make it appear like a great cresting wave.
    I felt a warmth in my chest that I hadn’t felt for decades. “I thought Darius Chang still held the position of Prime Minister of Earth.”
    “You’ve got to get your head out of your work,” said Atticus. “Prime Minister Darius Chang has retired. She’s his daughter and successor. She’s been prime minister for over two years.”
    I moved in her direction, but found her surrounded by many preening gentlemen, strutting about with outthrust chests, all competing for her attention. I decided to hold off on introductions.
    I saw that Morion Morpheme, Prime Elitist of Mars, had already engaged Orsteen Hunn of the Mercury Miners in conversation. I approached them and exchanged greetings.
    Morion Morpheme smiled at me with child-like enthusiasm. “Mr. Mobius, I’m inspired by your vision of laying claim to a planet in the heavens. Such a whimsical possibility compels me to envision my retirement in a different light. I’ll search the cosmos for the perfect planet. On the shores of an alien ocean, I’ll build a majestic castle and staff it with butlers, chefs, and concubines.” Morion took a profound breath. “I’ll live like a king atop my planet, in a style of arcane magnificence.”
    Even though I’d just said the same thing in my speech—minus the concubines—it sounded insane coming from Morion.
    “It sounds like paradise.” I turned to Orsteen Hunn. “And what of you, Orsteen? How will your future endeavors be shaped with the entire universe at our disposal?”
    “I certainly seek nothing so luxurious, like Morion. I am, however, comforted to know that my people will never be hungry for work. The Mercury Miners will now be able to spread out to new worlds, procuring the unlimited natural resources of the universe.”
    I saw Allienora Chang approach. She walked with such measured elegance that she seemed to float in our direction.
    Be a gentleman. Be interesting. Be calm.
    I smiled as she joined us.
    “I hope I’m not intruding.”
    “Not at all, Prime Minister Chang,” I said.
    “Please, call me Allienora.”
    “As you like, Allienora.” I stood there in an awkward silence.
    What the hell’s wrong with me? I thought. I’m a grown man.
    I snapped out of it. “We were just sharing our visions of the future. Orsteen Hunn was remarking on the unlimited resources the universe will soon offer us, and Morion Morpheme was dreaming about a peaceful retirement on a planet he alone would rule.”
    Allienora looked to the stars. “I don’t wish to depress you, but I fear that, with this new freedom, humankind will have the potential to plunge into chaos, unless we can