In 2248 humankind finally occupied the entire solar system with skyhook tethers. Catapulting ships from Earth between the other seven planets for colonization, mining, research, and seeking the answer to the ultimate question—Are we alone?


    SETI World setup several orbital Fermi Relays across the solar system, sending out signals and listening in for alien lifeforms while searching for exoplanets.


    Still, no signal received, therefore, no sign of intelligent life in the cosmos.


    So one astrobiologist, Dr. Juliet Summers, gave an awkward suggestion to send a signal encoded with a new mathematical message translated as, "We''re ready to trade."


    Her colleagues balked at the absurdity of her idea but nevertheless humored her out of respect for her achievements.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The signal repeatedly transmitted ...


    Within months, the Fermi Relays picked up thousands of alien radio transmissions of countless languages and all sorts of data going back and forth. Exoplanet hunters observed millions of planets.


    The people rejoiced and celebrated Dr. Summer''s remarkable insight.


    Soon afterward ...


    An alien ship entered the solar system, utilized the skyhook tethers, and then orbited Earth as if it knew where to make contact.


    "People of Earth, we''ve come for our collection."


    "Collection? Who is speaking?"


    "We are collectors, and we''ve come for our galactic tax."


    "By what right do you tax us? Show us your authority."


    "Very well, observe ..."


    All the galactic alien transmissions shut off, and the exoplanets disappeared.


    "Alien visitors, how did you do that? A hoax?"


    "Negative Earthlings. We''ve protected your solar system until you''re ready to trade. We received your invitation, and we offer our continued protection for a price."