“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 … “

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  “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.