The Council ordered a delegation to leave immediately on the first diplomatic mission from Venus to Earth. Ser Madi had justifiable doubts about the possibility of success, but the Council overruled his objections.
The delegation, led by the elder statesman, Ser Alaga, left for Earth aboard the light cruiser, Tunn. The date was December 9, 2042. Returning to Earth aboard the Tunn, were the eleven survivors of the Morning Star, treated not as prisoners, but as survivors of a space wreck.
The Tunn landed on Earth two miles out of Abilene, on December 15, 2042. A few hours after touching down, the Venusian delegation arrived in the Earth capital and presented themselves at the Ministry of State.
The office worker who stood between them and the Secretary of the Minister of Foreign Affairs was amused by the delegates' story. "Why don't you kids go home and stop annoying us?" he said. "And stop watching those TD shows!"
Ser Buldi indignantly repeated his request to see the Foreign Minister.
"Get out of here!" the office worker said in a tone that indicated he was through talking to us.
Ser Buldi began to reply but he was silenced by Ser Alaga, who wished to avoid any unnecessary incidents which could have proved embarrassing to the Earthmen. Instead, the elder statesman approached a young lady seated behind a desk.
"What can I do for you, little boy?" the girl asked with a smile.
Ser Alaga, with the aid of his hypno-tube, quickly convinced her to admit the delegates to the office of the Sub-Secretary for Foreign Affairs.