The aliens said what we had always hoped to hear: Them: We welcome you to the Federation of Sentient Worlds. Us: You are here to offer us membership in the Federation? Them: Membership is automatic for any race which achieves faster-than-light travel. Us: We don’t have faster-than-light travel. Them: Oops. New York Times bestselling author Todd McCaffrey brings a totally new look at first contact with aliens.