 Why does Ethaniel think the humans look defenseless?
But this vast distance did not mean that isolation could endure forever. Instruments within the ship intercepted radio broadcasts and, within the hour, early TV signals. "The wrong diplomatic move, or a trigger-happy soldier could set it off. A meteor shower could pass over and their clumsy instruments could interpret it as an all-out enemy attack." "In a week we can't negate their entire history. There's nothing in this region of space our people want," said Ethaniel. They went much closer to Earth, not intending to commit themselves. For a day they circled the planet, avoiding radar detection, which for them was not difficult, testing, and sampling. Atmospheric analysis showed that as far away as we were."
 Without wings, the humans look small and defenseless.
 Without space travel, the humans seem defenseless against an alien attack.  Without wings, the humans look small and defenseless.  Without wings, the humans look like children.  Without space weapon technology, the humans seem defenseless against an alien attack.