No Morning After

No Morning After by Arthur C. Clarke

'But this is terrible!' said the Supreme Scientist. 'Surely there is something we can do!'

'Yes, Your Cognizance, but it will be extremely difficult. The planet is more than 500 light–years away, and it is very hard to maintain contact. However, we believe we can establish a bridgehead. Unfortunately, that is not the only problem. So far, we've been unable to communicate with these beings. Their telepathic powers are exceedingly rudimentary–perhaps even non-existent. And if we cannot talk to them, there is no way in which we can help.'

There was a long mental silence while the Supreme Scientist analyzed the situation and arrived, as he always did, at the correct answer.