'If only we had known.

If we had just been aware of the child,

delivered to safety, his only fragile protection the

dark warning: keep him secret, or he will die.

If we had recognised the flaw in humanity's

balancing act, competing with Artificial Intelligences

by merging man with technology.

If we had understood that when we finally

conquered the light-speed barrier, our momentous

achievement would be noticed.

If only we had known, that something was

out there, watching, and waiting...'



The Lament of Michael Foxton