"Because of this disparity your maturity as a race is much in doubt. There are many among the cultures of the stars who would consider your race deviant and deadly. There are a very few who would welcome you to the reaches of space.
"But most desire more information. Thus our visit. We have come to gather data that will determine your—disposition—
"Your race accepts the principle of extermination. You relentlessly seek and kill for commercial or political advantage. You live in mistrust and envy and threat. Yet, as earthlings, you have power. It is not great, but it contains a threat. We wish now to know the extent of that threat.
"Here is the test."
Suddenly an image resolved itself on the gleaming metal of the ship itself.
It was a blueprint.
A hundred cameras focused on it.
"Construct this. It is defective. Correct that which renders it not useful. We shall return in three days for your solution."
"Good God!" exclaimed Harrison. "It's a—sword!"
"A what?" asked Mills.