"We're on the verge of making an interplanetary flight here on Earth," Dr. Bruber said. "The trouble is, no one that wants a flight has any money and those that have the money don't care about space flight." "You're probably better off all around," said Olbu. "Come now, gentlemen," said Rodkey. "We can do better than that. You can cut loose with a few scientific terms now and then. It gives the interview an authentic flavor. Ask Olbu his opinion of the quantum jump, Dr. Bruber." Dr. Bruber turned toward the director and blinked through his heavy glasses. "I'd rather ask our distinguished visitor why he came." "Yes, Dr. Bruber. Please do," said Olbu. "All right. Why did you come here?" "We wanted to decide whether to wipe out the solar system or not." * * * * * For a moment it was silent in the room, except for the sound of the electricians outside the door. "Goddamit," said an electrician. "You can't use that hookup on the Y-circuit. You'll cut out the monitors." Ralph Rodkey tiptoed to the bedroom door and closed it. "Surely you're joking," said Dr. Bruber. "Quite a sense of humor. Ha-Ha." "No, I'm not. We discovered there was at least one habitable planet here--and where there are habitable planets, there are likely to be human beings. Human beings are dangerous." Rodkey cleared his throat. "Gentlemen. Far be it from me to interfere in a scientific discussion like this, but if I were you I'd try another tack. A large number of our viewers might not understand it." "You think it would be better, perhaps, if we killed them all without warning?" Olbu said, turning toward the director. "Really, Mr. Olbu," said Rodkey. "You don't intend to blot us out, do you?" "That decision is hardly mine to make," said Olbu. "I'll have to report to my superiors. If you're dangerous, you'll have to be erased, and there's nothing that can be done about it." "Excuse me a moment." Rodkey rose, went to the phone and ordered liquor sent up to the room. He hung up the receiver. "I think it's best that we make your stay here a pleasant one, Olbu." "If you intend to bribe me, I'm afraid you'll have no success," said Olbu. "I was chosen because I am impeccable." "I'm quite sure of it," said Dr. Bruber. "And perhaps there is something in your premise that not all human beings are desirable. I should like to know how Earth is making out." Olbu shrugged his shoulders. "So far I've seen nothing worth saving," he said. "You're a vain lot. You're trivial. You have no respect for the dignity of Man. And your worst fault is ambition. I suppose you have wars?" "Not for a long time. Two or three years anyhow," said Rodkey. "How long is a year? Ah yes, I forgot. It is the period of the planet on its journey around the sun. And how long does that take? One year. The usual nonsensical way you have of defining things. You don't even know how to measure time."