Jack of Harts

There was no way to keep Contact secret from the Betelgeuse populations.  Too many birds had seen the scout arrive, and they spread videos of it throughout their version of the nets long before their government could even think about classifying it.  It turned out a lot like Peloran Contact with us in the end.  Landing in a public square and walking out to a crowd of birds wanting to welcome their first proof that they were not alone in the universe.  It was surreal.