# VII explained — Short Science Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Science Fiction by Isaac Asimov.

## What happens

The Industrialist and the Astronomer discuss the crashed alien ship, lamenting that no survivors survived to repair it and that trade with the aliens would have been impossible due to their disturbing differences. The scene shifts to a domestic conflict when Red's mother reveals that Red stole raw chopped meat from the kitchen, upsetting the cook. Red admits he took the meat for two small animal pets, and the Industrialist orders him to get rid of them.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alien Contact and Misunderstanding

The Industrialist and Astronomer reflect on the crashed alien ship, concluding that the aliens are 'too different, too disturbing' for any trade or meaningful contact.

## Character check-ins

### The Industrialist

Discusses the crashed alien ship with the Astronomer, then confronts Red about stealing chopped meat for his pets.

### The Astronomer

Bitterly laments the loss of the alien ship and its crew; later intervenes to remind the Industrialist about Slim's earlier question about animal diets.

### Red

Steals raw chopped meat from the kitchen to feed his two small animal pets; is confronted by his father and ordered to get rid of them.

### Slim

Mentioned as having asked the Astronomer what animals eat, which indirectly reveals Red's pet-keeping.

## Key lines

> It’s the workmanship that gets me. I never saw such construction.

The Industrialist marvels at the quality of the alien ship's construction.

_Highlights the Industrialist's appreciation for the alien technology._

> If they had survived, there would be no trade in any case. They’re too different. Too disturbing.

The Industrialist argues that even if the aliens had lived, their differences would have prevented any trade.

_Emphasizes the theme of alien contact and misunderstanding._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters/vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_science_fiction_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_science_fiction_se/chapters