A space creature has landed on the planet, disturbing someone's carefully tended lawn while an eclectic group of guests enjoy a dinner party. They take notice of the creature emerging from the ship and head out to huddle on the front porch. They stand in awe and wonder what to do.
Doc Searls is the scientist who believes the Creature comes in peace. He approaches the alien with his hands up and with soft words, explains to the alien that he means no harm and welcomes the creature. Seconds later, Doc's head comes rolling towards the huddled group while the Creature disembowels his headless body.
Dave Winer is the guy who believes Searls must've inadvertently provoked the Creature and tries to convince the remaining members of the group that the Creature is merely misunderstood and must not be made to feel threatened.
Bill Quick is the guy who tells Winer that he's full of shit and the group should shoot the murdering creature down before it kills them all. The two argue back and forth before our square-jawed hero, a world-renowned atomic scientist and ace pilot with his own personal fighter jet, breaks them up and tries to apply some good old-fashioned common sense in dealing with the Creature. He figures the group oughtta split and notify the authorities so they can handle it.
Bill Quick still wants to kill the thing. He ain't goin' nowhere. While the rest of the group leaves, Winer stays behind, convinced he can talk to the Creature and make it understand that they mean it no harm. As our Hero turns to leave, Winer grabs him by the arm and confidently (almost self-indulgently) proclaims that he will get through to the Creature. Both Winer and Our Hero suddenly turn at the sound of a pump-action shotgun. Quick's got his shotgun loaded and is taking aim at the Creature.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
Classic if enigmatic - I sense a sequel coming on. At least I hope. Best, EO