FIRST CONTACT: A Scenario for Critical Reflection

Many science fiction works have been written about alien contact with earth.
Here's how a typical scenario goes –

            Approaching System 255.026.007. Type H star detected.
            Decelerating to .2 light speed. Initiating full sensor sweep.
            Transmitting standard galactic messages.
            High-frequency transmissions from third planet noted.
            Adjusting trajectory. Reversing thrusters above target surface.
            Scanning planet and assessing alien defense capabilities.
            Technology inferior. Some valuable raw materials confirmed.

            Powering up masers. Forward weapons locked.
            All life forms inactivated. Preparing cargo bays.
            Merchandise loading complete.

            Set coordinates for next star system.
            Storage bays 23% capacity.

Questions to Consider

	 (1) How likely is this scenario?  
	 (2) What, if any, raw materials on planet Earth are unique? 
	 (3) Which scenario is more likely: creatures from outer space will invade or 
	     we'll do a wham-bam job of destroying ourselves? 

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from Peace Pieces: Reflections on Violence and Conflict Resolution by T Newfields
SUMMARY:  Reflections on possible (and unduly paranoid) alien invasion scenarios.
KEYWORDS: alien invasions, alien contact, UFO paranoia, UFO contact

Author: T Newfields [Nitta Hirou / Huáng Yuèwǔ] (b. 1955)
Begun: 1996 in Shizuoka, Japan ⩝ Finished: 2024 in Shizuoka, Japan
Creative Commons License: Attribution. {{CC-BY-4.0}} Granted

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