Q. What sort of test?
A. To see if you are fit to join the Empire.
Q. What does this test consist of?
A. You will be exposed to a weapon of a basic nuclear fission design. If you can nullify the effects of this weapon, then you will have proved that your science is advanced enough to enter into the Universal Alliance, which is the Empire.
Q. What if we cannot nullify the effects of this weapon?
A. Then you will be destroyed by it.
Q. Can we refuse to take the test?
A. Yes, in that case you shall be isolated from the rest of the Universe as a subnormal planet.
Q. Just what will this isolation mean to us?
A. We will supervise your science and culture until you will be able to pass the Test.