If a society thinks it needs weapons, it must accept killing. If it thinks it needs violent men, it must… — Sheri S. Tepper

Long ago, the people of the world cried out for help. In the reaches of heaven their cry was heard, and a Visitor came in answer to it. The Visitor began helping immediately, but secretly. Now the visitor intends to be known to the people of the world and the people of the world must deal with that knowledge.

“I know so little,” she murmured.

“Better admit you are up to your neck in ignorance than stand upon a pinnacle of misinformation,” he said firmly.

Many men of importance were gathered there to be seen talking with other men of importance, resulting in an abundance of conspicuous but immaterial discourse.