The court deliberates.

The chief justice cast his vote quickly, almost as soon as everyone sat down. "I vote no. Plain and simple. I don't like the idea of this crossbreeding. It's a threat to humanity."

Justice Pritchell, who held the sphere and an open mind, opposed him quickly. "I say we vote yes. What possible threat could there be?"

Others chimed in, agreeing with one or the other. Chief Justice raised his hand, quieting the growing rabble in the room. "And if they breed out humanity?"

Several people murmured their agreement, attention turning to Pritchell. "How? There are over seven billion humans, and less than five hundred thousand Novaxans. Their entire population isn't even enough to match Seattle, and he's right. Global warming, the food shortage, fuel shortage-"

"All have ways to be solved that we are looking into."

"And no breakthroughs in decades. No ideas on actual execution. The kind of mind they're talking about could help us reach those goals, and maybe even a viable way to terraform other planets for our growth!"

"We have no reason to think that!"

Pritchell slid the sphere onto the table. "A child built this. Out of what looks like scraps of clothing, junk metal, and a game console. Just imagine the quality of such a mind given proper tools!"

"And if this new species we allow to be brought forth decides to kill us all?"

"Why would they? We're half of what they'll be coming from. They're likely to be as varied as we are."

"And that hasn't always been a good thing."

"True, but it means the good things can become better. Not to mention they'll hardly replace humans. Even given an entire millennia, they'll likely only grow to a sub-group. Something we can consider another ethnic group."

The chief justice clenched his jaw. "That isn't likely to be a good thing."

"It's as likely as anything human."