“You’re inviting him again, Momma? I remember him being so grouchy and critical.”


    “He’s my only brother, honey, and he’s making a long voyage by Skyhook from Europa.”


    “Does he live on that moon?”


    “No, he orbits it in his space van … “Stolen story; please report.


    “See, I knew he was nuts!”


    — — — —


    “Hello, Uncle Fred.”


    “Hi Susan, you’ve grown so much … it’s been …”


    “Two decades, Uncle.”


    “Call me Fred.”


    “Sure, whatever …”


    “Everyone, it’s time for Communion,” said Susan’s mother.


    They all stood in a circle, held hands, and wore neural headsets.


    “Care to join us ... Uncle, I mean Fred?”


    “Heck no. I’m a lone wolf. A free thinker.”


    “But you’ll miss out on the prizes.”


    “No thanks.” Fred sat in a corner and opened an ancient paperback book.