”You needed to have evidence from the Markovians themselves,” said Venor. ”That is why I led you to the point where the admission would be forced from them. The problem you came to solve is now answered, is it not? Is there anything to prevent you returning to Earth and writing a successful paper on the mystery of the Markovians?”
”You know very well there is,” said Cameron with the sudden sense that Venor was laughing gently at him. ”Who on Earth would believe what you have told me — that a handful of meek, subservient Ids had conquered the mighty Markovian Nucleus?”
He paused, looking at Joyce who returned his intense gaze.
”Is that all?” said Venor finally.
”No that is not all. After taking us to the heights and showing us everything that lies beyond, are you simply going to turn us away empty-handed?”
”What would you have us give you?”
”This,” said Cameron, gesturing with his hand to include the circle of all of them, and the community beyond the window. ”We want what you have discovered. Is your circle a closed one — or can you admit those who would learn of your ways but are not of your race?”
Venor's smile broadened as he arose and stepped toward them, and they felt the warm wave of acceptance from his mind even before he spoke. ”This is what we brought you here to receive,” he said. ”But you had to ask for yourselves. We wanted men of Earth in our ranks. There are many races and many worlds who make up the Idealists. That is why it is said that the Ids do not know the home world from which they originally came. It is true, they do not. We are citizens of the Universe.
”But we have never been represented by a native of Earth, which needs us badly. Will you join us, Terrans?”
THE END
