The Capricorni Conundrum

The Capricorni want to colonize earth, but after a thirty-year voyage they arrive to find it already inhabited. According to Capricorni custom, they have exactly two options: make a finding that earth's civilization is advanced, in which case they will turn around and go home, or exterminate all the earthlings and proceed with colonization. But to choose one of these options, the thousand-plus Capricorni must vote. But neither option can muster the required 60% majority. They have a conundrum. What shall they do? The great Division has persisted for several years and they are running out of supplies.

Ogmore is a Capricorni who has not yet been elected an adult, and his chances of election are zero as long as the Division persists. He wants to help his younger brother, lame in his back legs. To do anything he must have authority. Capricornis never do anything without authority. Ogmore thinks Admiral Canary has given him unlimited authority. But is he right about that?

The Capricorni Earth Study Group has discovered that the Berki made contact with earthlings a year prior. Two earthlings were particularly involved: Grant Evanston and Jason Juarez, both actors for the new production of Asteroid 2. Perhaps these two earthlings could lead Ogmore to someone who can help fix Berkle's back. That is, if Ogmore and friends can find them.