And nowhere, at any place within that vast region, has any species been found that is in any way murderous or aggressive — except your own. You humans are lifting a mirror to the universe, seeing your own faces within it, and declaring the cosmos terrifying. We, the Tinkers, say two things: First, until you created your Morgan Constructs there was no danger anywhere. Second, tell us why you continue this insane rush to expand the Perimeter. It now ends fifty-eight lightyears away from Sol. Will you humans be satisfied when it has reached eighty lightyears? Or one hundred lightyears? Will you stop then? When will you stop?”

Esro Mondrian looked to MacDougal. He saw no support there. “I cannot answer your general questions, Ambassador. However, I can make a relevant point. I have long suggested that the Perimeter be frozen, or at least the expansion slowed. You say that the region within the Perimeter has no dangers to any of us—”

“Had none.” The Tinker was a blizzard of components, flying furiously about the central cluster. “Had none until your species created one.”

“—but the region outside the Perimeter may contain absolutely anything. Who knows how dangerous it might be, to all of us?” Mondrian turned to face the Terran area of the atrium. “With all respect, Ambassador MacDougal, I must say that I agree completely with the Tinker Ambassador. I know that such decisions are made at levels well above mine, but as long as expansion does proceed, something like the Morgan Constructs is essential. We must take measures to protect ourselves against whatever lies — ”

“That’s enough.” Dougal MacDougal moved one hand, and the lights illuminating Esro Mondrian were instantly extinguished. “Commander, you are removed from the witness stand. You were brought here to present a statement of a situation, not to offer your personal — and unsound — views on human exploration.