Thank you, that was great.

(And what a beautiful little page - click the white spots on the map in the header, more trees and houses spring up)

I have associated "Waiting for the Barbarians" with people who think they know better showing up somewhere to conquer. I guess that could also be UFOs.

“Now, there's this about cynicism, Sergeant. It's the universe's most supine moral position. Real comfortable. If nothing can be done, then you're not some kind of shit for not doing it, and you can lie there and stink to yourself in perfect peace.”

~ Borders of Infinity, Lois McMaster Bujold

Thanks for this!