"Really? Now we're getting somewhere. What else does Earth have? What is it like? Are the inhabitants intelligent?"
"Yes, we are. We're Earthmen, can't you understand that?"
"I think you're carrying this joke a little too far, gentlemen. A joke is a joke, but we've spent millions of dollars on your trip. Really, this is no time for banter."
Cal opened his mouth, ready to protest, just as the outside door swung wide. An attractive blonde in a smart suit stepped into the room and walked to the President's desk. She kept her eyes glued to the two Earthmen, dropped two large photographs on the desk, and turned. She stared over her shoulder at Cal and Dave until she was gone.
The President smiled knowingly. "The women are falling all over you two, I imagine."
"We're both married," Cal said drily. "We don't care for all this...."
"Married?" The President was shocked. "I thought we'd distinctly chosen unmarried men for the job. Strange."
"We've got wives on Earth," Dave said.
"Ah-ha," the President said. "Then they are intelligent beings. Pity, pity."
A twinge of anticipation curled up Cal's spine. "Pity? Why a pity? Why do you say that?"