Ser Alaga: _They prevented their own imminent destruction by their
action in self-defense. It was this action which resulted in the
unfortunate...._
Cartwright: _Our ship and our men were attacked before they had
fired a shot. Therefore, your action cannot be deemed to have taken
place in self-defense._
Ser Alaga: _Your reasoning confounds me, sir. If the prevention of
aggressive action is termed aggression, then we are guilty of it. I
bow to your logic._
_Naturally our government wishes to express its regrets over the
impulsive act of its representatives. We want to meet with you in
peace and friendship. We want to prevent any future incidents such
as the one which has brought us here today._
Cartwright: _On behalf of the World Federation, I accept your
apology. We, too, would like to prevent further strife between our
worlds. There is much to be gained by a useful and cooperative
alliance between Earth and Venus. But, to insure this, we feel that
your government should make certain ... payments in reparation for
our losses._
Ser Alaga: _Although I am in sympathy with your views, our
delegation has not been empowered to offer any reparations.
However, if you will indicate what your government would consider
a suitable payment for your losses, we shall convey your request to
our Council._
(END OF AUTO-TAPE RECORDING)
Yttrium was the reparation asked by Earth--five thousand pounds of
isolated and purified Yttrium. This metal was essential for the
construction of Earth's space ships, the "alumiryten" alloy being used
in the manufacture of the tough outer shell of these ships.
The supply of Yttrium ores on Venus is almost unlimited, and the
Council had no trouble delivering the requested amount of the refined
metal. The last shipment of ingots reached Earth within three months.
This conciliatory payment was intended to preserve the peace and build
good will within the system. It was our intention that, if possible,
the Earth would assume a more responsible attitude toward the greater
scope of friendly interplanetary relations. It was our hope that
harmony would form a permanent bond between our two worlds.
Our efforts were wasted.