Trading fiction with aliens is one of the oldest activities of the nations of the Global Alliance, actually! Patronage of artists by humanity's extraterrestrial benefactors has been a consistent source of income for the Blue Planet since the opening of trade relations, and as humanity's technology has caught up, the Global Alliance has enjoyed alien stories in turn. The discovery of other universes, and the extension of trade to new civilizations aside from the Solar System's long-term visitors, represents an exciting new opportunity for writers. Samples of stories from each nation are eagerly sent out.