“Iridite!” the Martian gasped. “Good God!”

  “Iridite, just so,” Hallen said. “More iridite than there is, or ever was, or ever will be, on Mars. We had none to be found here on Earth. Quite true, Marrok. But if your scientists haven’t investigated the realms of the fourth dimension—well, we have. And it seems that the realm coexistent with the space of this laboratory is very rich indeed in pure iridite. Once we were able to release it—well, it extrudes with an amazing profligacy, as you observe. And it has another great advantage, Marrok.

  “We bring it out already molded into the shapes we need,” Hallen was saying. “For our industrial engines—but just now, as a matter of fact, we’re concentrating on spaceships—vessels of interplanetary war—and their long-range guns. Defense guns, yes. But most of all—just between you and me, Marrok—our government is interested in the super-range guns of aggression.”

  The big Martian ambassador had seen enough. With an oath be tossed away the amber glassite goggles. At the laboratory’s outer doorway, Hallen said:

  “Good night, Set Marrok. It might be a good idea for you to take a flight back to Ferrok-Shahn and tell your government just what you’ve seen here. Now that our people have heard you broadcast, they know what Martian aggression really means. That was our purpose in bringing you here. Public opinion, now, will be solidly with us if we start some aggression of our own. So that’s our answer to your ultimatum, Set Marrok.”

  As the speechless Martian ambassador strode down the metal incline from the laboratory doorway two little voices floated after him, suave with apology.

  “Unfortunate to disappoint you,” said Mr. Sukiyama.

  “So sorry,” Mr. Toy agreed.

 

 

  Unknown Author, An Ultimatum From Mars v1.0

 

 

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