“In today‘s Interplanetary news, The SETTLER program has progressed nicely by recently transforming three rather inhospitable planets into habitable environments. The Alliance has high hopes that the SETTLER program will continue it‘s impressive track record. And now we turn to Kim Li for the main story.”

“Thank you, Stephen. Earlier today a small collection of planets announced that they were unhappy with the Alliance and suspect the SETTLER program of removing influential persons who speak against the them. The Chairman of SETTLER had this to say, ‘These allegations and accusations are completely false. This collection of planets are bringing independent thinking where it does not belong. I for one hope that this farce quiets as quickly as it was brought up.’ Yet despite the Chairman‘s protests the collection of planets ,now calling themselves the Independents, continue to try to stir up controversy….”

The viewer switches off his television. “This gorram alliance is never gonna have peace.”, he whispers to no one. He rubs his eyes, stands up and heads for the kitchen. On his way there a slight buzzing noise catches his attention. He heads over to his cortex, makes a few gestures and plays the most recent wave. A symbol of the Alliance flashes on the screen and the word ‘SETTLER’ is posted many times over on the background. “Aiya!”

An attractive female appears on the screen and states, “Good Evening, Mr. Jon Clevens. This wave has been sent to you as notification that you have been entered into the SETTLER program. This rewarding program will give you the opportunity to spread life to new planets. You have one week to pack and say good bye to those you know. After the week has passed proceed to the address below where you will receive instruction on how you are to use the tools and conduct yourself on the planet surface. Have a good day.”

The screen goes blank and Jon rests his head in his hands. “Gorramit! I thought I had everything thought out. That deal with Jefferson was supposed to go throug