A superheroine, an alien, and a town in the middle of the desert, what else do you need for an interesting short story...How about action? Check. First contact? Check. A dead cat? Check.
In the 21st century mankind has landed on Mars via atomic powered spaceships. Jarvis sets out across the Martian landscape in a rocket to take photographs of the famed canals. Unfortunately, his rocket crashes and he is forced to set out on foot back to Ares's landing area where the rest of the multi-national crew (French, German, etc) is waiting. He makes friends with an alien named Tweel whom he rescues from a disturbing creature that lures its prey by taking on the appearance of loved ones
We gave this story to competent, and pretty gal artist. We said, "Read this carefully, dream on it, and come up with an illustration." A week later, she returned with the finished drawing. "The hero," she said. We did a double take. "Hey! That's not the hero." She looked us straight in the eye. "Can you prove it?" She had us. We couldn't, and she left hurriedly to go home and cook dinner for her family. And what were they having? Frog legs, what else?
It seemed Earth was a rich, and undefended planet in a warring, hating galaxy. Things can be deceptive though; children playing can be quite rough--but that ain't war, friend!
Across the void came a man who could not ever have been born--from a world that could never have been conceived--to demand his birthright of an Earth that would have to die to pay it!
The Dome of Eyes made it almost impossible for Terrans to reach the world of Tepokt. For those who did land there, there was no returning--only the bitterness of respect--and justice!