2000 Plus 50-05-03 (08) When Worlds Met

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Episode 2000 Plus 50-05-03 (08) "When Worlds Met"

Introduction

In this enthralling episode of 2000 Plus, titled "When Worlds Met," listeners are transported to the year 2020, a pivotal moment marking humanity's first contact with intelligent life from Mars. Hosted by Harold Williams, the episode masterfully blends suspense, scientific intrigue, and human emotion, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. This summary delves into the key events, discussions, and character dynamics that unfold as Earth braces for an unprecedented interplanetary encounter.

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Setting the Stage: The Dawn of the Interplanetary Age

The narrative begins on April 21, 2020, at the Giant Spaceport in Washington D.C., temporarily serving as the Capital of the Federated World Government. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the world watches the imminent arrival of a Martian spaceship.

• Ken Williams (Host) sets the scene: “Today is the day we've all been waiting for” (00:25), highlighting the global significance of the event.

• Lon Clark, a key figure, echoes the excitement, emphasizing the historical importance of the moment.

The spaceship, laden with radium from Earth's Luna satellite, approaches the spaceport, drawing immense attention from global media networks.

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Awaiting Contact: Tensions and Speculations

As the spaceship descends, characters discuss the potential implications of this extraterrestrial visit.

• Ken Williams remarks on the dawn of the interplanetary age, expressing both awe and trepidation: “The day we've all been waiting for” (00:25).

• Lon Clark and Johnny Dixon engage in a dialogue reflecting on humanity’s obsession with space, juxtaposed against the longing for natural beauty and simpler pleasures on Earth.

The crew becomes aware of unusual signals emanating from the spaceship, sparking a debate about their origin and purpose.

• Frank Barrons introduces the concept of telepathy as a possible means of communication, suggesting that Martians might be transmitting thoughts directly: “...there are thought waves, electrical impulses discharged by the brain...” (07:10).

This introduces a scientific dilemma—can humans decipher a language or thought-based communication from an advanced Martian civilization?

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Developing Technology: The Telepathitor

In an attempt to bridge the communication gap, Frank Barrons unveils the telepathitor, an innovative device designed to translate thought impulses into understandable language.

• Frank Barrons explains its capabilities: “We can hear English words? Not only English...” (08:14), showcasing the potential for unprecedented interspecies dialogue.

However, as the demonstration unfolds, technical challenges arise, heightening the suspense surrounding the first contact scenario.

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Global Response: Unity and Conflict

The narrative shifts to the emergency session of the Federated World Government, highlighting the diverse range of human emotions and political agendas in response to the Martian message.

• Senator Frank Barrons advocates for a calm and diplomatic approach: “If the decision we are to make is to be a wise one...” (13:33).

• In contrast, Johnny Dixon (Ken Williams) exhibits skepticism and fear, urging for a defensive stance against the potential threat: “Fight them off, the risk is too great...” (14:14).

This clash of perspectives underscores the complexities of interplanetary diplomacy and the fear of the unknown.

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Martian Arrival: First Contact

The climax of the episode centers on the actual landing of the Martian spaceship, an event marked by awe and tension.

• Matt Wilson reports the grandeur and otherworldliness of the Martian ship: “...a shimmering, impalpable iridescence, unbelievably radiant and beautiful” (21:30).

As the ship touches down, the anticipation gives way to uncertainty when no immediate response from the Martians is observed.

• Gilbert Mack breaks the silence with a formal greeting: “Planet 4, greeting Planet 3...” (09:09), confirming Martian intent to communicate peacefully.

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Miscommunication and Betrayal: A Dark Turn

The episode takes a dramatic turn as it becomes evident that the Martians perceive Earth's defensive preparations as hostile.

• Gilbert Mack confronts Johnny Dixon, revealing that Earth's defensive measures have been misinterpreted: “...the escorts you sent to honor us were armed for destruction” (24:31).

• A tense confrontation ensues, with Lon Clark advocating for immediate retaliation: “Just give me the word and I'll blast them all...” (25:53).

This escalation underscores themes of mistrust, the pitfalls of miscommunication, and the fragility of first contact scenarios.

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Conclusion: A Call for Peace Amidst Chaos

Despite the chaos and impending conflict, the episode concludes with a poignant message emphasizing the need for understanding and peace.

• Gilbert Mack imparts a philosophical reflection: “Peace must be achieved through toil and sacrifice...” (27:20), urging humanity to overcome its innate fears and prejudices.

As the episode wraps, listeners are left contemplating the delicate balance between fear and diplomacy in the face of the unknown.

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Notable Quotes

• Ken Williams: “This is the dawn of the interplanetary age.” (02:13)

• Frank Barrons: “We must lay aside passions and fears and consider the question calmly.” (13:33)

• Gilbert Mack: “We are not ready to redeem ourselves.” (24:04)

• Gilbert Mack: “Through the dark spaceways, we came to you in peace.” (24:31)

• Gilbert Mack: “Peace must be achieved through toil and sacrifice...” (27:20)

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Character Dynamics and Themes

• Johnny Dixon (Ken Williams): Represents the voice of fear and skepticism, grappling with the responsibility of mediating between Earth and Mars.

• Lon Clark: Acts as a pragmatic counterpart, torn between loyalty to Earth’s defensive imperatives and the overarching need for peace.

• Frank Barrons: Embodies rational diplomacy, advocating for measured and thoughtful responses to the Martian presence.

• Gilbert Mack: Serves as the Martian representative, highlighting the consequences of human aggression and the potential for cross-cultural reconciliation.

Themes Explored:

• Fear of the Unknown: The initial excitement quickly sours into fear and suspicion, illustrating humanity’s tendency to fear what it does not understand.

• Communication Barriers: The struggle to decode Martian messages underscores the challenges inherent in interspecies communication.

• Peace vs. Defense: The conflicting approaches to Martian contact—diplomatic openness versus defensive aggression—highlight the delicate balance between peace and self-preservation.

• Human Nature: The episode delves into themes of mistrust, prejudice, and the capacity for both conflict and cooperation inherent in humanity.

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Conclusion

"When Worlds Met" is a compelling episode that expertly weaves a narrative of interplanetary contact fraught with tension, miscommunication, and the yearning for peace. Through rich character interactions and thought-provoking dialogue, the episode invites listeners to reflect on humanity’s readiness to embrace the unknown and the importance of overcoming innate fears to foster genuine understanding. As part of the 2000 Plus series, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of space exploration and the timeless human quest for connection beyond our own world.

Transcript

[Ken Williams]

Let us send our imaginations forward into time, into the years beyond. 2000 A.D. what strange adventures. What exciting things will we find in the World of Tomorrow?

[Lon Clark]

2001.

[Ken Williams]

Today, an adventure of outer space. When the world's met. It is the year 2000 +20 at the Giant Spaceport in Washington D.C. temporary Capital of the Federated World Government. The an enormous plug tense with expectancy jams every available inch of space surrounding the rocket landing field. All eyes strain upward into the clear blue sky for today is the day. April 21, 2020. And audio and televo networks of the world are at the rocket field to.

[Lon Clark]

Cover the epic event.

[Ken Williams]

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is the day. The day we've all been waiting for.

[Lon Clark]

In a matter of minutes now, out.

[Ken Williams]

Of that brilliant blue sky will come a ship.

[Lon Clark]

A spaceship carrying in gleaming hole the.

[Ken Williams]

First load of the radium taken from the bits of Luna satellite of Earth.

[Lon Clark]

Since the beginning of time. Now, one moment folks. There's a signal from the tower.

[Ken Williams]

This may be it.

[Lon Clark]

Take it away, Fred. This is Fred Haskins reporting from the control tower.

[Ken Williams]

Our escort planes have been in contact with the spaceship from Luna for the past 12 minutes.

[Lon Clark]

They are now approaching the field from the northeast.

[Ken Williams]

At any moment now we. And there she is. Her magnania hull way hot from the friction of the atmosphere. Her jet breaks melting fire.

[Lon Clark]

She's.

[Ken Williams]

She's right over the field now.

[Lon Clark]

She's coming down, down, down. He's landed.

[Ken Williams]

Mark. Well, this stage, my friends, this is the dawn of the interplanetary age. Earth calling moon. Earth calling moon. Coming Luna City. Luna City.

[Lon Clark]

Johnny. Dixon. Dixon, where you been?

[Ken Williams]

You're three minutes late. Sorry, McCabe. All shipments as scheduled. Everything routine report noted.

[Lon Clark]

Check out, check out.

[Ken Williams]

You know, Johnny, my fault. Sometimes I think we're crazy spending our lives cooped up in this pressurized shell, breathing synthetic air, risking our necks every.

[Lon Clark]

Time we put on a space suit.

[Ken Williams]

And go out into the cold, barren.

[Lon Clark]

Bitted piece of green cheese.

[Ken Williams]

For what?

[Lon Clark]

Well, you're kidding.

[Ken Williams]

Paul, you know the answer. We're space happy. That's all that's wrong with us. We pulled every wire and practically tore the World Federation apart getting this assignment on the moon. And we'll do it again when the first flight into deep space gets underway next month, next year, whenever they get through with their preparations. Yeah, yeah, I guess that's it right now, Johnny, what I wouldn't give to see a tree again and corn fields in Kansas. Me, I want to hear a bird sing and watch the lights go on in the Skyscrapers along the waterfront. I want to dance with my girl. Breathe in the sweet smell of violence. Boy, if I.

[Lon Clark]

What was that? Huh?

[Ken Williams]

That sound.

[Lon Clark]

That vibration there. Do you hear it?

[Ken Williams]

Well, I'm not sure whether I heard.

[Lon Clark]

Or felt it, Johnny.

[Ken Williams]

Like a current of air passing by me.

[Sanford Bickert]

Yeah, that's it. Some kind of pulsation.

[Lon Clark]

Makes my feeling skin tingling.

[Gilbert Mack]

Listen.

[Ken Williams]

Sounded different, didn't it?

[Lon Clark]

Yeah, different pitch.

[Ken Williams]

The instruments are all steady. Nothing on the lizard screen. The radar's negative. What is it, Johnny?

[Lon Clark]

Where's it from?

[Ken Williams]

Not from Earth, I'll swear to that.

[Lon Clark]

I got a crazy notion, Paul.

[Ken Williams]

A crazy notion that someone's trying to signal you. I don't know what I mean.

[Lon Clark]

Even the case, right?

[Ken Williams]

Maybe I got a touch of. Johnny. Johnny.

[Lon Clark]

What is it?

[Ken Williams]

Look for us. Look at the direction finder. It swung all the way around. Those sounds. Those waves are coming from outer space.

[Lon Clark]

I've got a call.

[Ken Williams]

Earth calling Ludicity.

[Lon Clark]

Earth calling Lunacy.

[Ken Williams]

Move the city to hurry. Go ahead, Go ahead. Hey, Jason, what's going on up there?

[Lon Clark]

What's the idea of beaming out those hammy signals?

[Gilbert Mack]

Signals?

[Lon Clark]

Yeah, the harpy pig.

[Ken Williams]

The music of the sphere stuff giving the boys on the monitor down here the heebie jeebies. You got them to McCabe. You picked him up on Earth?

[Frank Barrons]

Certainly.

[Ken Williams]

What's it all about? The signal that. That's what they are. Are coming from one definite spot in outer space.

[Lon Clark]

Outer space?

[Ken Williams]

That's what I said. Johnny, get your spacesuit ready.

[Lon Clark]

Better have a conference about it.

[Ken Williams]

But listen. Have your men tune up Rocket 307.

[Lon Clark]

Blast off at 0800. They'll be expecting you on Earth in the morning.

[Ken Williams]

Ten days now we've been getting those signals and not one of you geniuses has been able to be safe with us.

[Sanford Bickert]

Very well, Mr. McCabe. If you know of anyone who can do it better.

[Ken Williams]

Take it easy, Professor Wolfson. You don't have to be so touchy. But 10 days. What do you say, Dr. Lee?

[Frank Barrons]

10 days or 10 years, it makes no difference. If those sounds or signals are code, it is in a language unknown to man.

[Ken Williams]

You're sure of that?

[Sanford Bickert]

We've consulted the foremost cryptographists of the world. We've tried every way to break the code.

[Ken Williams]

What does that add up to?

[Sanford Bickert]

That message, if it is? A message does not come from anywhere on Earth or from any man on Earth.

[Ken Williams]

I told you, chief. It's what I've been saying all along. Of course, you can't decode those messages in any known language.

[Lon Clark]

Living or dead.

[Ken Williams]

Because they come from Mars. Yes, Mars. My directional finder on the moon indicated it. McCabe's down here pinned it down. Look at the graph. I brought it.

[Sanford Bickert]

Directional signals can be wrong.

[Lon Clark]

Yes, sir. But get this.

[Ken Williams]

I've been timing those signals. They come at intervals of exactly 24 hours, 37 minutes and 22 seconds.

[Sanford Bickert]

The length of the day on Mars.

[Lon Clark]

Yeah.

[Ken Williams]

And if we were trying to signal them, we'd do it, say, every night at 1800. That's what they're doing to us.

[Sanford Bickert]

In that case, the next signal is.

[Ken Williams]

Due at 10 minutes and 13 seconds. And we'll be sitting here like Lomaxes, feeling our scalps tingle while the message drift past us.

[Frank Barrons]

Gentlemen, excuse, please, but it seems to me the message need not necessarily drift past us. I know what you mean by the message. I do not mean the sounds or the words that are being transmitted. I refer to the thoughts themselves. The thoughts that perhaps are being transferred from the Martians to us.

[Ken Williams]

Or transfer us.

[Lon Clark]

That's telepathy.

[Frank Barrons]

We have discarded that word, Mr. Dixon. Too many Charatans use it. But we do know that there is extra sensory perception of thought impulses. Just as there are sound waves, which your ear has learned to interpret, and light waves which your eye and brain transform into a picture. So there are thought waves, electrical impulses discharged by the brain, which vary with the particular thought.

[Sanford Bickert]

An intriguing idea, Dr. Lee. If only we had some instrument that could pick up and sort out these impulses.

[Frank Barrons]

Where is such an instrument, Professor Wilson? I have been working on it for many years. It involves a scanning screen intercepting an electrified field.

[Ken Williams]

Well, what are we waiting for?

[Frank Barrons]

You understand the telepathitor has only been tested for short distances.

[Ken Williams]

Signals are reaching us. That's the only important thing, isn't it?

[Frank Barrons]

The instrument is in the next room. I took the liberty of bringing it with me, hoping it might conceivably be of some use. This way, gentlemen.

[Lon Clark]

You say this little machine can take.

[Ken Williams]

Thoughts and turn them into words?

[Frank Barrons]

We can hear English words? Not only English, Mr. McKeeb. It will translate thought impulses into any language for which Eust dies. You think of something, Mr. Dixon. Now, listen.

[Lon Clark]

First I said for French. German.

[Ken Williams]

Wonderful.

[Sanford Bickert]

Diesel, shinniesen.

[Lon Clark]

And English.

[Gilbert Mack]

Darn clever, these chains.

[Ken Williams]

You must understand. Excuse me, Dr. Lee, but we'll have to postpone this. 15 seconds to go. Better set your dials for remote pickup. Stand by, everyone.

[Gilbert Mack]

Nothing.

[Frank Barrons]

More power.

[Ken Williams]

Well, there's a good tribe.

[Lon Clark]

Wait.

[Ken Williams]

I've got that feeling again. My skin's beginning to crawl. Yeah.

[Sanford Bickert]

Yeah, mine too.

[Lon Clark]

Oh, no, it's just your imagination. Quiet. They are coming through now.

[Gilbert Mack]

Planet 4, greeting Planet 3. Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun. Greeting Planet 3. Planet 4 calling Planet 3. We are trying to reach you, Planet 3. If you receive our signal, respond. If you receive our signal, respond. We will communicate again.

[Ken Williams]

Life on Mars.

[Lon Clark]

This week, ladies and gentlemen, the question that has bedeviled mankind ever since the.

[Ken Williams]

Day he first stood erect and gazed into the heavens has been answered. There is life on Mars.

[Lon Clark]

Intelligent, articulate life. The country, the world tonight seethed with excitement. Has Mars received our response?

[Ken Williams]

Has our telepathitor succeeded in projecting as.

[Lon Clark]

Thoughts the messages spoken into it by human beings? Or can it merely receive the smell of lilacs, Terry?

[Ken Williams]

I'll never get enough of it.

[Amzie Strickland]

Oh, it's lovely, Johnny. And look, there's a moon out tonight.

[Ken Williams]

Moon? Oh, please. You know, it's hard to believe that back in 1950 people could still get romantic over that cold, dead pockmark.

[Lon Clark]

Heavenly.

[Ken Williams]

Yo, yo. Now, that red star up there, Mars. That's a different proposition. It's alive. There are living beings up there.

[Amzie Strickland]

Johnny, it's staggering. It's beyond imagination.

[Frank Barrons]

Rubbish.

[Lon Clark]

Why shouldn't there be life up there?

[Amzie Strickland]

They're so advanced. Spaceships and interplanetary signals.

[Ken Williams]

Maybe you've got a point at that. We thought we were so smart because we reached the moon. Our spaceships aren't developed enough yet to get to Mars.

[Amzie Strickland]

It's just as well.

[Ken Williams]

Why?

[Amzie Strickland]

Because you'd want to be the first to go.

[Ken Williams]

Wouldn't you like that? I'd be quite a hero. You could point at my picture and say, hey, that's my guy.

[Amzie Strickland]

You're my guy anyway.

[Gilbert Mack]

Sure, Terry.

[Ken Williams]

Don't worry, honey.

[Sanford Bickert]

I won't be seeing any Martians for a long time.

[Ken Williams]

All personnel stand by. Stand by for XM signal. That'll be Mars. Hop to it, Johnny. Telepathitor setting. 212 degrees. 18 seconds. Frequency 600,000. Got that, Johnny?

[Lon Clark]

Check.

[Gilbert Mack]

Planet 4 calling Planet 3. Planet 4 calling Planet 3. We greet you in peace. Your response received. The time has come. At this moment which marks the beginning of the great interstellar age between worlds. It is fitting that there be between us a meeting of minds. Therefore, we are sending a ship to visit your planet. The ship will depart tonight and enter your magnetic field in seven of our days. Have landing instructions ready. We come in peace. We come in peace.

[Ken Williams]

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is Matt Wilson bringing you a report of the emergency session of the Federated World Government. Never has an assembly meeting taken place in such an atmosphere of excitement, panic and recrimination. And here on the small we've been upholding ourselves, aroused by the stunning message from Mars have been boiling and clashing all day. I rise for a point of information as civilian head of the world military government I want to know why those Martians have beaten us to the ground. Gentlemen, gentlemen.

[Frank Barrons]

If the decision we are to make is to be a wise one, we must lay aside passions and fears and consider the question calmly. The emotions are coming and we must receive them either with friendship or hostility.

[Lon Clark]

Fly from.

[Ken Williams]

Fly from out of the sky.

[Frank Barrons]

But that may not be as simple as it sounds. Remember my friend, these Martians are advanced scientifically, perhaps far beyond us. They have conquered deep space. They can transmit both ways. They may have weapons beside which our nuclear bombs are astroid missiles.

[Ken Williams]

Dr. Lee is right. Gentlemen, we don't care. Fight them off, the risk is too great. They come in peace, they said so over and over again. Let us so receive them. Very well, very well. If such is the will of this body, let them come and peace. But as civilian head of the world military government I assure you all we will not be found.

[Lon Clark]

Mapping.

[Ken Williams]

Earth calling Martian interstellar ship. Earth calling Martian interstellar ship. Here are the landing instructions of the Federated World Government. Three Earth days from this hour, which will be the sixth Martian day of your flight through space, you will be met by an escort of 20 rocket ships. We will greet you in the name of peace. The 20 rocket ships will escort you.

[Lon Clark]

To commission of defense. All escort rocket ships assigned to accompany Martian spaceship will carry the following death fog sprays, magnetic disintegrators, atomic missiles, class B. All weapons shall be on the and.

[Ken Williams]

Upon your entry into the Earth's atmosphere you will circle our globe once and then make landing at our spaceport at Los Alamos, New Mexico, which will be ready.

[Lon Clark]

The spaceport of Los Alamos shall be mined to a depth of 50ft with Tritonium landmines. The field shall be encircled with radioactive flamethrowers and a reserve force.

[Ken Williams]

From the landing field you will be conducted to the seat of the world government at Washington D.C. where you will be received and housed in suitable accommodations. We will welcome you in peace. Check out.

[Lon Clark]

We will welcome you in peace.

[Gilbert Mack]

We hope.

[Ken Williams]

Suitable accommodations. Trust McCabe to hand me a crackpot assignment like this.

[Amzie Strickland]

Johnny, you're the big safe man. You're supposed to know by instinct what suitable accommodation for a Martian.

[Ken Williams]

Don't be silly, Terry. I haven't the slightest notion in the world what they'll look like except some crazy ideas I picked up from science fiction.

[Lon Clark]

I don't know why.

[Amzie Strickland]

All right, all right. That's why we're here. The head of our anthropology section has more ideas than any science fiction writer you've ever read. Now, here we are.

[Ken Williams]

Ah, Terry, come here.

[Amzie Strickland]

Hello, professor, this is Mr. Dixon, the young man I told you about.

[Sanford Bickert]

I know, Mr. Dixon.

[Ken Williams]

Professor, I've got a problem.

[Sanford Bickert]

And I have discussed the problem. It is my theory that the Martian will in most important respects have the characteristics of the Earth man.

[Ken Williams]

Oh. What's the basis of your theory, Professor?

[Sanford Bickert]

It's very simple. The accomplishments of the Martians parallel our own. Only a being with opposable thumbs can fashion the intricate devices necessary for spaceships. Only a being with a nervous system like our own could master communication. Only a creature with a brain like ours could dream of peace.

[Ken Williams]

Makes sense, Professor.

[Amzie Strickland]

That's one side of it, Johnny. A lot of other anthropologists think differently.

[Sanford Bickert]

Ah, yeah, that is so.

[Amzie Strickland]

They feel that the Martians, living on a dry planet with little vegetation and very little water, will be creatures that crawl on the ground like our insects. Enlarged a few thousand times. They may look like enormous ants with oversized antennae.

[Ken Williams]

I give them with 48 hours left, I can't prepare accommodations for every conceivable form of life. Just have to improvise after they get here. I just hope they don't get too sick when they first look at us.

[Lon Clark]

This is Matt Wilson again reporting from.

[Ken Williams]

The spaceport at Los Alamos. A tremendous crowd has gathered here.

[Lon Clark]

We're awaiting the appearance of the spaceship.

[Ken Williams]

From Mars which is being escorted by 20 rocket ships from the roundaboone of the moon.

[Lon Clark]

According to reports, all's gone well so far. The Martian ship. One moment please.

[Ken Williams]

Authority of our announcement is going to be made to the people assembled. Your attention please. This ship from Mars and its edge dwarfs will be seen any moment from the east. You heard that?

[Lon Clark]

Any moment.

[Frank Barrons]

The ship from Mars.

[Lon Clark]

13. And now the ship for Mars. The Martian ship is idling over the field now, casting a huge shadow over the landscape. It's an awe inspiring spectacle. The ship is tremendous. 18 to 20 stories in height, several city blocks long. And its large windows are fashioned of some kind of transparent civilian command into special defense patrol man battle station. Our technical experts are staring at the craft in open mouth wonder. Mr. McCabe. Mr. McCabe, what is your reaction? I. I am Foulcon. The ship doesn't seem to operate on a rocket principle. There's. There's no belching Fire. No clouds of smoke. I keep wondering what kind of fuel they use. Invisibles of propulsion. Thank you, sir. The ship is almost touching the ground now. And the crowd is getting uneasy by their own cracking as though. As though they something. I see it now. It's ab ha about the marsh ship forming and weapon like it, whatever it is. Command and Defense control, zero hours reorient. All weapons remove safety controls. Stand by the fire.

[Ken Williams]

Secretary of the World Federation is going to speak. As your great ship settles on our soil.

[Lon Clark]

We search you, the adversaries of space.

[Ken Williams]

We wait eagerly for your appearance.

[Lon Clark]

Now the blue mist is completely vanished.

[Ken Williams]

All eyes are on the ship, waiting.

[Lon Clark]

For the first Martian to appear. There is no sign of activity yet. Will you respond to our greetings, Martians?

[Ken Williams]

Will you make your presence known?

[Lon Clark]

Nothing stirring, no gangplank lowered, no sign of life. Perhaps they were not prepared for atmospheric conditions here. Perhaps on the very brink of success, death has struck within that awe inspiring vessel. Yes, yes, it's moving. A tremendous section of the ship's bow is opening out in front like a gigantic tongue.

[Ken Williams]

It thrusts forward and drops to earth.

[Lon Clark]

Forming a great raft from the ship to our soil. And now it's down at the surface of the raft. The surface of the raft is like.

[Frank Barrons]

Nothing ever seen on this earth. A shimmering, impalpable iridescence, unbelievably radiant and beautiful.

[Lon Clark]

The throng of spectators is silent, motionless, scarcely breathing, waiting to see the first Martian emerge. And still nothing, no one, no thing.

[Frank Barrons]

Comes down the ramp.

[Lon Clark]

There is nothing but silence. Listen. That must be the Martian communication vibrations we were told about. Then men on the field are operating the receiving devices.

[Gilbert Mack]

We ask that you send one representative to board our craft. We assure his safety.

[Lon Clark]

Gentlemen, gentlemen.

[Ken Williams]

There is no cause for alarm. I think there is. They want a hostage or a specimen to take back with them.

[Lon Clark]

There's no time for anything. They're waiting for a petition. Mr. Secretary. Yes, Mr. McCabe?

[Ken Williams]

If it's all read to the committee.

[Lon Clark]

I'd like to go through it.

[Ken Williams]

Technical information, sir.

[Lon Clark]

Oh, quiet, John.

[Ken Williams]

This is my ish, McCabe. I was slated for the space run to Mars, remember?

[Lon Clark]

You're not doing me out of this.

[Ken Williams]

Besides, you're too valuable to waste.

[Lon Clark]

Mr. Secretary.

[Ken Williams]

Tell them I'm coming aboard. Men of Mars, we shall fly with your request.

[Lon Clark]

Our representative is about to board your ship. Get ready.

[Gilbert Mack]

Johnny Dixon. This is it.

[Lon Clark]

Take a good long look at the sun in the sky. Take a deep breath of the Earth's good air. You may never get another after you Meet whatever is waiting at the end.

[Ken Williams]

Of this long ramp.

[Lon Clark]

A ramp? It pointing forward like a conveyor belt beginning to rise into the air. Get a little untidy. Get out of that ship. Get into that ship. Get out. Locked in. No, there's no one here.

[Gilbert Mack]

Nothing except that dancing leg.

[Lon Clark]

I'll follow it.

[Gilbert Mack]

Enter Earth, man.

[Ken Williams]

How can I? I. I closed in by four solid walls.

[Gilbert Mack]

Follow the light, Earthman. The walls will not impede you.

[Ken Williams]

Molecular reorientation changing the density of solid matter at will.

[Gilbert Mack]

We achieved that 10,000 cycles ago, Earthman.

[Ken Williams]

Where are you, man of Marx? This room is flooded with life. And I. I see Noah.

[Gilbert Mack]

We are not ready to redeem ourselves.

[Ken Williams]

The people of Earth are waiting to.

[Lon Clark]

See you, to welcome you.

[Ken Williams]

There is nothing to fear.

[Gilbert Mack]

We are not afraid, Dixon.

[Ken Williams]

You know my name.

[Gilbert Mack]

We know many things. That is why we are sad, filled with revulsion.

[Ken Williams]

I don't understand.

[Lon Clark]

What do you mean?

[Gilbert Mack]

Through the dark spaceways, we came to you in peace. You said to us, come in peace. But the escorts you sent to honor us were armed for destruction. The very ground on which we now rest. Seeds with radioactive potential.

[Ken Williams]

Wait.

[Lon Clark]

You misunderstood us.

[Ken Williams]

These weapons are for defense against you, not attack.

[Gilbert Mack]

Many cycles ago. We of Mars learn, as you Earth men will someday learn, that wars are fought, men are slaughtered. Civilizations wiped out by those who attack with weapons of defense.

[Ken Williams]

But our world is at peace now.

[Gilbert Mack]

Your peace is not peace. It is a thin cloak which covers the hates and fears and savagery of privitive beings. Observe Dixon on this large business screen. We have for hours been viewing your people in many parts of your Earth. Watch.

[Lon Clark]

The senator.

[Gilbert Mack]

Listen.

[Lon Clark]

I warned you it was a trap. We'll never again see Dixon alive.

[Ken Williams]

I told you not to trust foreigners.

[Lon Clark]

Just give me the word and I'll blast them all in the kingdom. Come.

[Ken Williams]

You must not be deceived. He's only one man. The rest of us are different.

[Gilbert Mack]

Are you? Look at this from another part of your villainized Earth.

[Ken Williams]

You have been a stranger to our party.

[Lon Clark]

To be guilty of bourgeois digging. You have shown us out to the enemies of our people.

[Gilbert Mack]

You will pay the penalty. But first you will call it this.

[Lon Clark]

My flesh. My flesh.

[Ken Williams]

That's a backward part of our planet. It's not fair to judge by them.

[Gilbert Mack]

Then we reveal a more civilized area. The country of your birth. Dixon. Lynch him.

[Lon Clark]

Bitch him. Lynch him.

[Gilbert Mack]

Now you know why we shall not reveal ourselves to you. If you are like this to these of your own kind, what will you think? What will you do when you see us? Strange as we are.

[Ken Williams]

Dunko. We know you may be different from.

[Lon Clark]

Us, but we can all meet in peace.

[Gilbert Mack]

Earthman. Peace must be achieved through toil and sacrifice of those few among you who understand its meaning. It may take many cycles, but in the end, the day will arrive then. And then only we will return. Go back to your people, man of Earth, and give them the message from Mars.

[Ken Williams]

Next week, another exciting trauma on 2000 plus, the silent noise. In the year 2000 plus 20, an important man is murdered. How will the police of the future track down a killer? And what new methods of assault will the criminals of tomorrow use? Listen next week and you'll find out. 2000 plus is produced by Sherman H. Dryer and Robert Wynnelson. In today's story, Ken Williams played Johnny. Louis Van Ruten played the voice of Mars. Lon Clark played McCabe. Frank Barrons was the senator, Amzie Strickland was Terry, Sanford Bickert was Paul and Gilbert Mack was Dr. Lee. The orchestra was conducted by Emerson Buckley. Music composed by Elliot Jacoby, Script by Judith and David Public sound by Walt Shaver and Al April, engineer Bob Alderack and you're announcer Ken Marvin. Program of grand prize this is Mutual Broadcasting System.