Ma’am, I hadn’t finished. (pause, takes a moment to look at her, before returning attention to audience) As I was attempting to say,  just moments ago, you stated the life forms haven’t even emerged from their… ship, for lack of a better word. How can we know for sure they plan to harm us? We aren’t barbarians, we don’t simply attack things we don’t understand. Well, most of us don’t, at least.  

I have to agree, this is the first time in history where extraterrestrials have even possibly attempted to make contact. If this is truly a sentient lifeform, I believe we should greet them with peace; extend an olive branch.

I disagree. I believe if they had wanted to make peace with us, they would have done it. Instead they choose to sit on the banks of our largest river and do nothing. The longer we choose to sit here and not do anything on the matter, the longer the safety of New Athens is jeopardized. It’s only three kilometers from the nearest house. Three kilometers.  I talked to the family that lived in that home, a mother, and three young, intelligent daughters. The youngest only eight. Now I have to ask you, are you all willing to put this innocent child’s life on the line? Who are we to risk her life?