The US Secretary of Science has a surprisingly down-to-earth conversation with a simulacron, a creature who represents the Mizzarett people, and who wishes to acquire Jupiter from humanity to use it for the species' own purposes. The simulacron explains that no harm or any interference will be done to Earth, but the secretary cannot shake part of the species' wishes off; they seem to be at odds with another species, the Lamberj. Despite the simulacron's promise of enough energy to power the whole world indefinitely, the secretary is hesitant to make any kind of deal, as he is concerned that the Earth may fall into an interstellar war. This is not helped by the fact that the simulacron leaves their species' intents for Jupiter nebulous, which seems to indicate rising tensions between the Mizzarett and the Lamberj. The simulacron eventually decides to share their goals, which leads the secretary to tell them that he must consult with superior government members. As the secretary retreats from the meeting, he is approached by his colleagues, eager to hear what happened. He shows them designs for what is to happen to Jupiter, and explains that the true goals of the Mizzarett are to turn it into a giant billboard, and that the conflict is a trivial advertising rivalry between the Mizzarett and the Lamberj. He also excitedly informs them that no other deals were made, and he expects that the Lamberj will soon approach with an even better offer for Saturn.