A cloud of steam billowed out from under the newly landed craft. Its ramp came down, and a tall, lordly being with sharp features appeared. “Live long and prosper,” it said. “Tell me about your world and its people.” Elmo, the unwilling chosen representative, tried and failed to imitate the hand gesture, his pinky wobbling frantically. “It’s, um, cloudy, with a high of 22 and a low of 13. A chance of snow flurries. Thursday will be much the same,” he stammered.
“Well done,” said Elma as the ragtag Earth dwellers watched the craft retreat into the heavens. “You’re quite the salesman.”
Elmo’s First Contact
Published January 8, 1997
