t any rate, we're about to find out."

The conference table was surrounded by Senators of the Committee.
Layered behind them were scientists representing the cream of Hockley's
organization. Senator Markham, the bulky, red-faced Chairman greeted
them. "Your seats are reserved at the head of the table," he said.

"Sorry about the time," Hockley mumbled. "Clock must be slow."

"Quite all right. We assembled just a trifle early. I want you to meet
our visitor, Special Envoy from Rykeman III, Liacan."

Markham introduced them, and the stick-thin envoy arose with an extended
hand. His frail, whistling voice that was in keeping with his bird-like
character spoke in clear tones. "I am happy to know you, Dr. Hockley,
Dr. Showalter."

The two men sat down in good view of the visitor's profile. Hockley had
seen the Rykes before, but had always been repelled by their snobbish
approach. Characteristically, the envoy bore roughly anthropomorphic
features, including a short feather covering on his dorsal side. He was
dressed in bright clothing that left visible the streak of feathering
that descended from the bright, plumed crown and along the back of his
neck. Gravity and air pressure of Earth were about normal for him. For
breathing, however, he was required to wear a small device in one narrow
nostril. This was connected to a compact tank on his shoulder.

Markham called for order and introduced the visitor. There was a round
of applause. Liacan bowed with a short, stiff gesture and let his small
black eyes dart over the audience. With an adjustment of his breathing
piece he began speaking.

"It is recognized on Earth," he said, "as it is elsewhere, that my
people of Rykeman III possess undisputed intellectual leadership in the
galaxies of the Council. Your research is concerned with things taught
only in the kindergartens of my world. Much that you hold to be true is
in error, and your most profound discoveries are self-evident to the
children of my people."

Hockley felt a quick, painful contraction in the region of his
diaphragm. So this was it!

"We are regarded with much jealousy, envy, and even hatred by some of
our unlearned neighbors in space," said the Ryke. "But it has never been
our desire to be selfish with our superior achievements which make us
the object of these feelings. We have undertaken a program of scientific
leadership in our interstellar neighborhood. This began long before you
came into space and