and is told that the Hurrians need to drop an atomic bomb themselves, in order to initiate the conflict which will then escalate on its own. Such a method, while computed to be the only way to start the war, and thus prevent the destruction of advanced space civilizations, is nevertheless completely unacceptable to the Hurrians, a race of absolute pacifists who cannot envision killing a sentient being. Even though such an act is needed, explains the director, it simply cannot be done, for no Hurrian will be able to drop the bomb himself, or even order someone else to do so. Unable to solve this dilemma, the Hurrians are forced to return home, plagued by the visions of humans conquering space. Reception Algis Budrys said that the "gentle story, told by a gentle man" was "not quite enough. For the reader is very liable to say: 'True. Too True. Now what?'" References External links "The Gentle Vultures" at the Internet Archive Short stories by Isaac Asimov 1957 short stories Works originally published in Super-Science Fiction