The Banner

Buck and Mike spread the canvas banner across the grass beside the Fokker. The women had painted the letters in bright red so they could be read from far above the valley.

TOMATOES FOR SALE

Mike stepped back and grinned.

"That ought to get somebody's attention."

Buck laughed.

"That's the idea."

The banner was fastened behind the little aircraft while curious children gathered along the edge of the field.

The engine sputtered, then settled into its familiar rumble.

Buck eased the Fokker into the wind.

Within moments the little red airplane lifted gracefully above the valley.

Instead of climbing high, Buck circled slowly over the farms, the sawmill, the Roundtable, and Rebecca's kitchen.

Workers stopped to wave.

The elephants lifted their trunks.

Children chased the airplane's shadow across the grass.

Far above the valley, several silent observation craft watched.

One Grey enlarged the image.

"TOMATOES... FOR SALE."

The bridge remained quiet.

Another Grey finally asked,

"Who is the message intended for?"

No one could answer.

That evening Nord found Samuel and Rebecca walking home after supper.

"I've received several inquiries."

"So soon?" Samuel asked.

Nord nodded.

"They wish to know whether your banner was intended for visitors."

Samuel smiled.

"It wasn't intended for anyone in particular."

"It was intended for everyone."

Nord smiled.

"In that case..."

"I believe it's time I began organizing a visiting schedule."

Samuel looked toward the Roundtable standing quietly beneath Saturn's rings.

"It looks like the invitations have begun."