# Off Course explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Mack Reynolds.

## What happens

The chapter details the arrival of Dameri Tass, a bumbling alien collector from Carthis who mistakenly lands on Earth, believing it to be a member of the Galactic League. After a period of confusion and political wrangling, he is brought before the United Nations, where he reveals he is not an envoy but a zoo specimen collector, causing global shock and disappointment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Earth's political leaders attempt to control the narrative around the alien's arrival, fearing it will destabilize governments and social systems.

### Technology and Alienation

The alien's advanced technology (e.g., translation device) contrasts with Earth's primitive state, highlighting the gap between civilizations.

### Rebellion and Revolution

The public's expectation that the alien will guide Earth's transformation reflects revolutionary hopes, while the establishment fears upheaval.

## Character check-ins

### Dameri Tass

The alien from Carthis, a specimen collector who mistakenly lands on Earth, speaks with an Irish brogue, and is accompanied by a dog, cat, and mouse.

### Johnny McCord

President of the United States, who hosts Dameri Tass and navigates the political fallout of the alien's arrival.

### Viljalmar Andersen

Secretary-General of the U.N., who introduces Dameri Tass to the Assembly.

### Sir Alfred Oxford

A British representative who questions President McCord about the alien.

### Tim Casey

A patrolman who first encounters Dameri Tass at the landing site.

### Larry Dermott

A patrolman who accompanies Tim Casey and interacts with Dameri Tass.

### Major General Browning

Army general who takes charge of the landing site and orders a cordon.

## Key lines

> Sure, an' I must blast off immediately.

The alien insists on leaving Earth at once.

_Dameri Tass realizes his mistake and wants to depart hastily._

> Faith, an' I'd almost forgotten. If I'd taken a crature from this quarantined planet, my name'd be nork . Keep your dog and your kitty.

The alien refuses to take Earth animals, calling the planet quarantined.

_He leaves behind the dog, cat, and mouse, indicating Earth is isolated from the Galactic League._

> Sure, an' what kin all this be? Is it some ordinance I've been after breakin'?

The alien is confused by the formal reception and fears he has broken a law.

_He is bewildered by the official proceedings._

> An envoy, he's sayin', and meself only a second-rate collector of specimens for the Carthis zoo.

Dameri Tass reveals he is not an ambassador but a low-level zoo collector.

_This disclosure shocks the audience and deflates their expectations._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_36_se/chapters/off-course
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_36_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_36_se/chapters