The Poors
This may prove to you that Television can change your life more than you think!
The world newspapers had heralded the event for months. The First Personal Visit from Outer Space was the most important headline of the decade. Now there were perhaps sixty thousand people crowding behind ropes and guards at the Earth Interspace Airport, waiting patiently for Mr. 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, with Secretary Gordon, in the airport's executive office.
Carrowick spoke first, Well, this is it. I've spoken to Kramvit at least eight times on the Vidcope phone, but I'm as nervous as a contestant right now.
Gordon eyed the screen which was noting the ship's approach. I don't see why you should be. You know what he's like basically. Their bodies and physical capabilities are the same as ours, and most of the people of Six speak English almost as well as we do, by now.
He looked at Carrowick, Are their Vidcopes going to stay on Kramvit during his entire visit?
Carrowick spoke slowly, Yes. At least they're going to try; on all six of the Planets. Kramvit's going to carry a pin microphone on his person all 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? asked Gordon.
Well, most of his time will be spent here, visiting all fifty-three states. We'll take one cruise to pay token visits to the heads of all countries first, then back here until he goes home. Hey! He's landing, let's go!
... After over an hour of welcoming speeches, photographs and newspaper reporters, Marryl Kramvit was alone in the executive office with Vice President Carrowick and Secretary Gordon.
If we didn't know you were from Six, we would certainly take you for an Earthman, Carrowick was saying, Why, your clothes, your coloring, everything about you is just the same!