First Judgment

On a crisp Saturday morning in the year 2034, a spaceship unexpectedly descends onto the lawn of the White House. Four hours later, the world watched as six aliens--as human as we are--descend from their ship. Their leader, Darius, announces that they are a first-contact delegation from the planet Parmithia. They know that Earth is suffering from severe agricultural and environmental crises. Their technology could solve most of these problems. Yet such power can also be used to destroy, something that Darius and his people will not allow. The Parmithian mission is to judge Earth's unity, social stability, and capability to properly utilize their alien technology for the good of the planet.

With US Army Majors Phil Casaverde and Allie Heroux providing security and meeting arrangements, the alien delegation visits NASA, the United Nations, Rome, Paris, and other sites. Throughout their tour, the Parmithians are attacked by armed extremist groups bent on destroying the threat of alien invasion. This story addresses several practical questions about what might happen if a technically superior alien culture ever did visit. Would we seek to destroy them? Would they judge Earth trustworthy enough to share their knowledge? A splendid blend of action, plot twists, science, and questions about Earth's values, First Judgment entertains and engages.

-- Scott R. Frazer