Synopsis: An astronomy professor in Florida in a mid-21st century suffering from climate change and international hostilities detects an apparent interstellar vehicle headed directly for earth at near light speed but decelerating dramatically; it transmits the message "We're coming". The effect this discovery has on her, those close to her, and the surrounding circles of contacts is followed, as the impending event plays out on the larger stage of national and international affairs until it comes to an unpredictable ending. The dedication page says in part "The author gratefully acknowledges the influence of James Gunn's beautiful novel The Listeners, on this book."