Encounters Out There

“Is the hologram ready?”

“Yes, sir, indistinguishable.”

“And the scoop?”

“Just like we tested, it’ll create a perfectly humane biosphere.”

“Excellent. Schedule the mailing list for a rally ...”

————

“We’re the winners! No one can stop us!” shouted the leader.

The crowd clapped and cheered with devotion and adoration for their great leader—then came an earthquake and a flash of light ... But then nothing.

“It’s okay! It’s a message! A miracle!”

————

“Sir, Operation Scoop successful.”

“Excellent. Be sure to supply it for a lifetime of orbiting and send another email. We’ve got a few thousand more to go.”