Chairman Hughes waited for the noise to lessen a bit then continued.  “By all estimates of this things power and composition we can poke some holes in it, delay it perhaps, but ultimately it will reach Mars.  Evacuation of all woman, children, and hospital patients of Mars began yesterday, on my order after the Argus was lost and the ships destination was determined.  Thirty, one thousand ton mass drivers are being sent to augment the twenty-one already located on Mars.  We plan ro arrange them in groups of seven or eight on the side which will face the sphere the longest as it approaches and pelt it with as much rubble as possible.  Dr. Hopewell believes if we use rock exclusively the ship will incorporate it into its shell and become brittle.”


    “When the sphere comes within range of all the mass drivers we will change to hydrogen/oxygen solid packed in divided containers with contact detonators like those used on digging charges.”  Dr. Hopewell said.  “If we manage to expose the central core we want to fire on it with modified digging lasers and mass drivers.”


    “And pray to God it’s enough” said Sackett.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    “Four companies of UW military police with weapons are already on Mars and will remain for the duration” said Chairman Hughes.


    “Dogs to herd the lambs” Prof. Sackett thought to himself.  “Six hundred men with stun guns weren’t going to cow aliens with this advanced technology.”


    Hughes recognized a Mars science delegate.  “Madam Chair” he said  “several of Mars mining and transport companies have donated ships to…”


    “We have ships delegate!”  Hughes snapped.


    “If madam would allow me to finish.”  The delegate said in a low loud voice, “the idea is to pack these ships with explosive and have them wait behind Jupiter’s bulk until the sphere passes by, then ram it at one tenth light speed.!”


    “My apologies to you and yours delegate” Hughes said,


    “It warms the heart to know the Chairman would not entertain a weak proposal,” said the delegate.


    “Members Hopewell and Sackett will be in touch with you delegate,” said Hughes, “any other proposals can be submitted by any means to the Security Council.”


    “Gentleman and ladies” said the Science Chairman.  All seven hundred and fifty members and delegates stood and cheered Hughes from the chamber.  Nothing like it would be heard here for many years to come.