Bob was having a horrible day. Over the past few hours, his plans, his dreams, had been turned upside down. Six hours ago, a colony ship bound for Alpha Centauri had left Pluto outpost. Four hours later, it had passed through the Oort cloud’s border. One hour after that, they received a transmission from the opposite side of the solar system, apparently from the colony ship.
Bob, the President of the Solar system, had dreamed of being remembered as the man who pioneered the far reaches of space. Now, due to some unseen force, the Human race may never extend its reach beyond the rays of Sol.
He suddenly noticed a man, sitting in the guest’s chair. Startled, Bob jerked himself out of his reclining chair. “Who are you?”
“Forgive my sudden entry, Mr. President. I am pleased to tell you that your race, while possessing sufficient technology to colonize other solar systems, is not culturally advanced enough to be allowed outside of your system of origin.”
“Says who!”
“So states the Federated League of Races. The Treaty of Shigonto, the basis for the League’s foundation, clearly states that no race which is likely to begin wars is to be allowed into the position were it may do so. Humanity has been determined to be warlike, therefore it cannot be allowed to propagate itself beyond this solar system.”