noon
Twelve minutes later the news came into Starlight Enterprise and was tranferred immediately to Richard Starlight , who was at work in his office . He finished listening to the message , then turned and looked out over the stark moonscape . Slowly , he smiled . The next day , just after noon , Richard was again in his office . Joining him for lunch were John Rwakatare , Robert Nolan , Beowulf Denn , and Commander John Lewis and a few other visitors from Space Command . Though the food was delicious , the meal was a dismal affair . Long faces and few words expressed the atmosphere of the gathering .