"To those of Earth: Beings under the 4th stage of Galactic Development are restricted to the area of the landing field. We are sorry. In your primitive stage it would be unwise for you to learn the nature of our civilization. Knowledge of our science would be abused by your people, and used for the thing you call war. We hope that you have been inspired by what you have seen. However, neither we nor the other visitors to our planet are permitted to hold contact with you. It is suggested that you and your vessel depart."
"Listen, you!" screamed Parker. "We've been nine years getting here! By Heaven, we won't leave now! We're...."
"We have no time to discuss the matter. Beings under the 4th stage of Galactic...."
"Never mind!" spat Captain Wiley.
Madness flamed in Parker's eyes. "We won't go! I tell you, we won't, we won't!"
His fists streaked through the air as if at an invisible enemy. He ran toward the wall.
He collided with a jolt that sent him staggering backward, crying, sobbing, screaming, all at once.
Captain Wiley stepped forward, struck him on the chin. Parker crumpled.
They stood looking at his body, which lay motionless except for the slow rising and falling of his chest.
"What now, Captain?" asked Lieutenant Gunderson.