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Short Science Fiction · Chapter

Silly Asses explained

Naron, a long-lived Rigellian keeper of Galactic records, learns that Earth has achieved thermonuclear power but conducts tests on its own planet, leading him to cross it out of the book of mature races as an unprecedented act of judgment.

What happens

Naron, a long-lived Rigellian keeper of Galactic records, learns that Earth has achieved thermonuclear power but conducts tests on its own planet, leading him to cross it out of the book of mature races as an unprecedented act of judgment.

Themes in this chapter

  • Technological Progress and Its Risks

    Earth's attainment of thermonuclear power is seen as a sign of maturity, but testing on their own planet reveals a dangerous lack of foresight.

Characters to notice

  • Naron

    The ancient Rigellian keeper of Galactic records who judges Earth's maturity.

Key passages

  • Silly asses

    Foolish beings

    Naron's final judgment on Earth's self-destructive behavior.