"They wish to migrate to Earth, Mr. Ridgemont. All of them. Their evolutionary development was virtually identical to ours; when I marveled at this, Borsu laughed heartily at me. It is the belief of their science--or perhaps their theology--that the physical form both races share is the only one possible to the intelligent beings of the universe. So you see," Woodward said wryly, "perhaps the old prophets were right, when they said that God made Man in his own image. Perhaps it's the only possible image in the cosmos." "Then they look like us? Exactly like us?" "Not exactly, no. There are some--surface differences. I know nothing of Borsu's interior construction, only X rays could tell us that." Ridgemont said, suspiciously: "What surface differences?" "They are somewhat more angular than we are, a bit taller. Their craniums are larger, their shoulders narrower and bones finer. Borsu told me that they have no tonsils or appendix. In a way, they might be one lateral step higher on the evolutionary scale than the people of Earth. Their science is slightly more advanced in some areas, behind us in others. And of course, the number of their scientists and technicians is greatly limited." Woodward paused. "And they are blue. A soft, pleasant shade, but unmistakably--blue." The Secretary's chair creaked. "And they want to settle _here_? Among us?" "They feel sure that our races will be compatible, sharing as we do our evolutionary heritage, that--" "One moment," Ridgemont said sharply. "When you say compatible--are you implying that these creatures can interbreed with us?" The doctor winced at the word "creatures." But his reply was soft. "No," he said. "That coincidence would be too great. But they have no such desires; they will be happy to produce their own future generations of citizens. They have deliberately controlled their birthrate until they could find a home. Earth can be that home, Mr. Ridgemont, but they wish to be sure of a welcome." * * * * * The Secretary stood up, and came to the front of the desk to face the doctor. "Dr. Woodward," he said, "your story is an incredible one, but for the moment I'll assume that everything you've said is true. Naturally, visitors from another planet--who mean us no harm, and who can impart knowledge to us--would be more than welcome on Earth. They would be celebrated by every man of Science on this planet." "Borsu understands that. But it's not the scientists whose welcome they seek. It's the people of Earth." "Doctor, I cannot speak for the people of Earth." Ridgemont frowned, and rubbed his forehead. "Where would these aliens of yours want to live? How would they live? Assimilated among the peoples of Earth? In their own community, a nation reserved for them alone?" "I can't say. These are questions to be decided by others--"