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And the USA's Thirty Year Lead in manned space travel starts to be attacked by others.

When the Chinese get to the moon, rest assured they WILL claim it.

And the scenario will bowl us over; a crew will stay on the moon using their vehicle or part of it as a moonbase, until they are relieved or added to by more ships.

Bringing them back will not be a priority; establishing a permanent lunar presence will be.

Maybe the Chinese will restore the spirit of exploration they lost in the 15th and 16th centuries. The West, which undertook the great expeditions of Columbus and Vasco DaGama, which opened up the world, seems to have lost that spirit when it comes to space.

Ah, so, 4 Americans for dinner at the Golden Lunar Palace? This way, please.

No . . .

4 Americans at the Lunar Palace Golden Dragon for dinner.

Excellent. How would you like them prepared?

In oyster sauce. Splendid. With steamed or fried rice?

Red or Green tea?

Oh, the Frenchman in your party would prefer Beijing Duck instead. Fine.

OK. And the Russians in your party would prefer their platter of Americans Mongollian Bar-B-Q style with hosan sauce. Good.

And your Japanese colleagues would prefer the same as the Russians except with Wasabi sauce. Excellent.

One more detail--would you prefer American politicians or media moguls or a mixture of both? We're featuring both as specials this month. The politicians are particularly fat and succulent. The media moguls are on the lean side.

No, I'm sorry, we don't offer American military. Most of them were some of the rarer pockets of sanity left in the country and we prefer to honor their astuteness. Besides, they make the more industrious uhhhh, coolies.

Well, it will take some time to prepare your well chosen dishes. So why not relax with some special Chinese massage. If you want 'exercise' with your massage, these Hollyweed starlets have been trained at the best 'Institute' in Shanghai by a leading Tokyo Geisha. Your wish is their command.

Your dinner will be served in about 70 minutes.