THE POORS
BY HARRY LORAYNE
This may prove to you that
Television can change your
life more than you think!
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Worlds of If Science Fiction, October 1957.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
The world newspapers had heralded the event for months. "The FirstPersonal Visit from Outer Space" was the most important headline of thedecade. Now there were perhaps sixty thousand people crowding behindropes and guards at the Earth Interspace Airport, waiting patiently forMr. Kramvit of Planet Six.
Fourth Vice President Vincent J. Carrowick had been selected to be Mr.Kramvit's guide for the length of his visit. He was waiting now, withSecretary Gordon, in the airport's executive office.
Carrowick spoke first, "Well, this is it. I've spoken to Kramvitat least eight times on the Vidcope phone, but I'm as nervous as acontestant right now."
Gordon eyed the screen which was noting the ship's approach. "I don'tsee why you should be. You know what he's like basically. Their bodiesand physical capabilities are the same as ours, and most of the peopleof Six speak English almost as well as we do, by now."
He looked at Carrowick, "Are their Vidcopes going to stay on Kramvitduring his entire visit?"
Carrowick spoke slowly, "Yes. At least they're going to try; on all sixof the Planets. Kramvit's going to carry a pin microphone on his personall the time. So they should see and hear us no matter where we are."
"How long do you intend to be out of the country with him?" askedGordon.
"Well, most of his time will be spent here, visiting all fifty-threestates. We'll take one cruise to pay token visits to the heads of allcountries first, then back here until he goes home. Hey! He's landing,let's go!"
... After over an hour of welcoming speeches, photographs and newspaperreporters, Marryl Kramvit was alone in the executive office with VicePresident Carrowick and Secretary Gordon.
"If we didn't know you were from Six, we would certainly take you foran Earthman," Carrowick was saying, "Why, your clothes, your coloring,everything about you is just the same!"
Kramvit smiled and said, "Well, thank you. Physically, of course, weare the same. The clothes—well, ours are quite a bit different, asyou know. I had these made by a superb tailor who copied them from ourVidcope screens.
"Many of our females," Kramvit continued, "have already started to wearsome of your ladies' styles, and quite becoming they are."
Carrowick put on his cloak, and said, "Well, let's be on our way.You're to meet our President for lunch, and then we start our tour, ifthat's all right with you."
"Why, of course, that's why I'm here, and I'm anxious to see yourworld. Particularly America."
The trip around the world had gone as smoothly as could be expected.Were it not for the multitudes that gathered at each airport in orderto catch a glimpse of Kramvit, it would have been just perfect.Kramvit, however, was as cordial to the throngs as he was to the headsof their respective countries. He was a fine good will ambassador. Alittle flicker of disappointment was usually evident when the peoplesaw for themselves that this man from another world looked and actedjust as they did.
All in all, Carrowick was quite pleased, and he and Kramvit were nowin the Vincent and Marryl stage, except in public.
"Well, you've been in most of th