"Five thousand tons!"
The noblemen murmured amongst themselves restlessly. Their leader bent a shrewd, hard glance upon Gary.
"That is much fuel, Earthman."
"We have far to go," replied Gary. "From here to Mars ... from Mars to Jupiter ... then outward, beyond this universe itself. Five thousand tons of neurotrope is barely enough for our needs."
"It is also enough," reminded the other, "to fuel the whole of your Earth fleet for a trip to Venus."
"Yes," acknowledged Gary, "I suppose that's true. But this is a relatively short trip, whereas—" Then he stopped suddenly, the implication of the other's words striking him. "But surely you can't think—!"
"Our relationship with your planet," said the Chief Councillor slowly, "has not always been ... pleasant. We have small reason to place great faith in your words and promises; none whatsoever to turn over to you a supply of the only important military weapon we possess. Unless, of course—"
Gary grasped the straw eagerly. "Yes?"
"Unless you would be willing to show your good faith by disclosing to us, in return, an Earthly secret vital to our defense."
"But," faltered Gary, "I know no such secret."