Jack of Harts

As we explored the star systems around us, our governments began to seriously consider another answer to the Fermi Paradox.  We may not have had Contact because it is the nature of intelligent life to destroy.  Stories of Berserkers or Von Neuman probes destroying all life were once common.  And then there is the simple possibility of genocidal aliens who do not want competition.  Peloran Contact was a pleasant surprise to the more pessimistic of us.