（外文电子版资料）Robert Sheckley - The Day the Aliens Came.pdf

The Day The Aliens Came Robert Sheckley. One day a man came to my door. He didnt quite look like a man, although he did walk on two feet. There was something wrong with his face. It looked as though it had been melted in an oven and then hastily frozen. I later learned that this expression was quite common among the group of aliens called Synesters, and was considered by them a look of especial beauty. The Melted Look, they called it, and it was often featured in their beauty contests. “I hear youre a writer,” he said. I said that was so. Why lie about a thing like that? “Isnt that a bit of luck,” he said. “Im a story buyer.” “No kidding,” I said. “Have you got any stories you want to sell?” He was very direct. I decided to be similarly so. “Yes,” I said. “I do.” “OK,” he said. “Im sure glad of that. This is a strange city for me. Strange planet, too, come to think of it. But its the city aspect thats most unsettling. Different customs, all that sort of thing. As soon as I got here, I said to myself, “Travelings great, but where am I going to find someone to sell me stories?” “Its a problem,” I admitted. “Well,” he said, “lets get right to it because theres a lot to do. Id like to begin with a ten thousand word novelette.” “Youve as good as got it,” I told him. “When do you want it?” “I need it by then end of the week.” “What are we talking about in terms of money, if youll excuse the expression?” “Ill pay you a thousand dollars for a ten thousand word novelette. I was told that was standard pay for a writer in this part of Earth. This is Earth, isnt it?” “Its Earth, and your thousand dollars is acceptable. Just tell me what Im supposed to write about.” “Ill leave that up to you. After all, youre the writer.” “Damn right I am,” I said. “so you dont care what its about?” “Not in the slightest. After all, Im not going to read it.” “Makes sense, “ I sai