Short Story in Progress
Feb. 24th, 2006 11:20 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
stickmakerI'm working on a short SF story intended for publication, currently titled _A Bucket of Stars_. The background is that about a hundred years from now, a representative of a extraterrestrial society on Earth as part of a diplomatic mission asks his human escort "What would _you_ show an alien to make a good impression of your species?"
After some research the human (Joseph) discovers that the Kulkong's (who goes by Harry among humans) equivalent of a doctoral thesis was on optics. Joseph arranges for a private visit to Mount Palomar, focusing on the 200" Hale telescope, at the century and a half mark still in use as a professional instrument.
Topping off the tour, the guide explains that since the Moon is full that night they have several gaps in their observing schedule, one over an hour long. Harry is free to use the Big Eye to look at whatever he wants (within safe operating parameters, of course). He can use the standard method of remote computer controls and high-resolution cameras to send the image to a display. Or any of the on-scope viewing positions, including the cage inside. Harry, who has never actually looked at the stars through a telescope before, opts to use the cage.
Afterwards he thanks the staff, but seems a bit subdued. On the way back to the embassy, he is silent, and Joseph worried, until he finally turns to his escort.
"I think I understand something about humans, now," said Harry.
"Oh?" said Joseph, a bit too anxiously. "What's that?"
"What you mean when you say you've had a religious experience."
And that's all he will say about the event.
After some research the human (Joseph) discovers that the Kulkong's (who goes by Harry among humans) equivalent of a doctoral thesis was on optics. Joseph arranges for a private visit to Mount Palomar, focusing on the 200" Hale telescope, at the century and a half mark still in use as a professional instrument.
Topping off the tour, the guide explains that since the Moon is full that night they have several gaps in their observing schedule, one over an hour long. Harry is free to use the Big Eye to look at whatever he wants (within safe operating parameters, of course). He can use the standard method of remote computer controls and high-resolution cameras to send the image to a display. Or any of the on-scope viewing positions, including the cage inside. Harry, who has never actually looked at the stars through a telescope before, opts to use the cage.
Afterwards he thanks the staff, but seems a bit subdued. On the way back to the embassy, he is silent, and Joseph worried, until he finally turns to his escort.
"I think I understand something about humans, now," said Harry.
"Oh?" said Joseph, a bit too anxiously. "What's that?"
"What you mean when you say you've had a religious experience."
And that's all he will say about the event.
