The Delegate from Venus

"The Delegate from Venus" by Henry Slesar is a science fiction story first published in the late 1950s, originally appearing in "Amazing Science Fiction Stories." The narrative centers around the arrival of an extraterrestrial delegate from Venus and explores themes of communication, international relations, and the inherent fears and hopes associated with first contact with an alien civilization. The story follows journalist Jerry Bridges, who is embroiled in a whirlwind of events as the U.S. government prepares to receive a spaceship from Venus. As Bridges navigates the intrigue and speculation surrounding this momentous occasion, he grapples with personal conflicts involving a fellow journalist, Greta Johnson. When the Venusian delegate arrives, however, it is revealed to be a robot designed to deliver a powerful message advocating for peace but threatening dire consequences if Earth fails to heed the warning. The message resonates deeply, suggesting a challenge for humanity to pursue peace, and raising questions about the lengths to which individuals—and nations—will go to hold onto power amid the fear of annihilation. In an unexpected twist, the origins of the robot are revealed to be a product of human ingenuity aimed at influencing world leaders, leaving Bridges with a moral dilemma about revealing the truth behind the hoax. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry Slesar was an American author and playwright. He is famous for his use of irony and twist endings. After reading Slesar's "M Is for the Many" in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock bought it for adaptation and they began many successful collaborations. Slesar wrote hundreds of scripts for television series and soap operas, leading TV Guide to call him "the writer with the largest audience in America."