Assumptions:

1. That the life forms discussed come from another place in the physical universe as we know it.
2. That the life forms discussed are not derived from our consciousness.
3. That the life forms discussed are not "time travelers" or coming from a concurrent but unseen dimension.

Scenarios from least to most threatening:

1. An indication of some prior life is found.
2. A signal is detected that does not occur in nature.
3. A signal is detected that is manufactured.
4. A signal is detected and recognized as query.
5. A signal is detected that is addressed to Earth.
6. A signal is detected that is addressed to humans on Earth.
7. A signal is received that is a response to emissions from Earth.
8. A signal is received that indicates the senders are coming to Earth.
9. A non-natural object is detected beyond the boundaries of our solar system.
10. A non-natural object is detected entering the solar system.
11. A space exploration device from Earth sends back a report of a lower life form.
12. A space exploration device from Earth sends back a report of evidence of prior life with demonstrated intellect from a planet or moon.
13. A space exploration device from Earth sends back a report of an encounter with a non-naturally occurring object.
14. Earth-based sensors detect a non-natural object in proximity of the Moon or closer.
15. Earth-based sensors detect a non-natural object in close proximity and observe it maneuvering under intelligent control.
16. Earth-based sensors detect a non-natural object in close proximity and observe it maneuvering under intelligent control in response to our actions.
17. Earth-based sensors detect a non-natural object in close proximity and observe it maneuvering under intelligent control with an ability to evade those sensors.
18. Several credible individuals/groups observe and report seeing non-Earth-based craft for a short duration.
19. Several credible individuals/groups observe and report seeing non-Earth-based craft for a long duration and various sensors confirm sightings.
20. Official organizations report observing craft near Earth.
21. Groups of credible people report seeing occupants of these craft on Earth.
22. Official organizations acknowledge occupants of craft on Earth.
23. Groups of credible people report interacting with occupants of craft.
24. Official organizations acknowledge interacting with occupants of craft.
25. Official organizations acknowledge having interacted with occupants of craft over long periods of time.
26. The occupants of the craft demonstrate clear technical and intellectual superiority.
27. The occupants of the craft demonstrate clear technical and intellectual superiority but intent is undeterminable.
28. The occupants of the craft demonstrate clear technical and intellectual superiority and offer to assist in human development.
29. The occupants of the craft demonstrate clear technical and intellectual superiority and indicate hostile intent.
30. The occupants of the craft demonstrate clear technical and intellectual superiority and indicate they created/seeded humans.
31. The occupants of the craft demonstrate clear technical and intellectual superiority and indicate that because they seeded us, they have inherent rights over our destiny. (November, 1997)

The following document was generated by a discussion about how dissemination of information should be handled if incontrovertible evidence were presented to the general public indicating "we are not alone." In other words, the evidence could not be hidden; so how do we handle, "the day after." This is an approach that can be initiated now to undertake prudent prior planning for that eventuality.

In 1953, the CIA commissioned a panel of experts to examine the consequences of the same question. As the study was headed by Dr. H. P. Robertson, the name became The Robertson Panel (R1). While the name of this study would eventually changed, the title Robertson II (R2), does convey a sense of what it is about. Here is the initial thinking about how this task can accomplished.

1. General

I envision a series of studies, complex in nature, which would probably last over a period of years. The main study group (R2) would have continuing oversight as subpanels evolve, perform their assigned functions, and disestablish. This group would be populated by a multidisciplinary group of the most senior, well-respected scientists that we can attract.

Considering the objective, it is imperative that the study be international and cross-cultural in nature. The procedures suggested for assisting in dissemination of information in a responsible manner will be extremely complex, and controversial. It is my view, we are really talking about the necessity for creating flexible world views in societies that are at various stages of psycho-social development. Even in the United States, a country that prides itself on openness of thought, the notion of assuming a less-than-superior place in the universe will be difficult to assimilate.

2. The Panel

The R2 panel must be multidisciplinary. Unlike R1, this panel should not be restricted to theoretical and physical scientists. Some of the technical areas required will be political science (including government), economics, religion, history, education, philosophy, military science, psychology/psychiatry, sociology, as well as physical sciences. To be effective, the size of the group probably should be about eight. That means that members of the primary panel can represent not all of the desired disciplines. As needed, these panelists will head subpanels, or provide guidance on the establishment of subordinate technical studies.

3. Assumptions

There are a number of assumptions that should be considered. The primary panel necessarily will develop the final list, once it is formed. The assumptions must include a range of possible scenarios. Some of these include:

• Warning time ( from substantial prior warning to no warning at all).
• Government support (from no support of the effort, even hindrance, to open support of the study or implementation of actions).
• The type of contact/evidence (signals, physical appearance of craft/EBEs, number of incidents (single vs. multiple), actions taken (benign, helpful, hostile), credibility of reporting source (official & accepted vs. unofficial).
• Physiology (are they similar, dissimilar, living, mechanical).
• Technology ( is it understandable, if advanced, how far).
• Physical security (ours-theirs).

4. Actions

• Establish a knowledgeable subpanel. Hold a sequestered two-day informal session They would:
  • Establish study objectives
  • Identify potential R2 participants
  • Draft Terms of Reference
  • Consider groups to be surveyed
• Recruit R2 panelists
• Identify R2 study director
• Select study methodology
• Begin drafting topics and questionnaires
• Hold organizational meeting with selected group members
  • Agree on Terms of Reference
  • Finalize study methodology
  • Identify shortfalls in knowledge & expertise
  • Prepare and disseminate read-ahead material for introductory session
• Conduct introductory meeting with all members
  • Present background briefings
  • Obtain agreement on methodology
  • Determine data requirements
  • Determine substudy requirements
  • Outline final report structure
• Conduct study
  • Collect data
  • Examine the history of initial interactions between superior-subordinate societies
  • Obtain expert testimony
  • Sponsor seminars with stake-holder organizations
  • Hold closed discussion periods
  • Analyze data
  • Develop draft Plan of Actions
  • Write report
• Publish report(s)

• Implement Plan of Actions
  • Formalize information dissemination requirements

  • Establish relationships with appropriate government agencies
    • Provide information to U.S. Government agencies
    • Be available to act as conduit for information dissemination
    • Contact foreign governments and provide information

• Prepare for news media
  • Train personnel to work with media
  • Establish credentialed relationship
  • Provide background material prior to any external event
  • Establish a known network for press to obtain credible information
  • Establish list of experts to handle emergency inquiries