My First Meeting with Rama 45"So, Charles, don't tell me that you know there are no
extraterrestrials here on earth. Because if you saw one,
or even bumped into one, you couldn't tell the differ
ence. Because in looks, an earthling is no different than
any form of human life, in any other part of this galaxy,
where conditions are proper for it. Tell me, if you were
to meet that hitchhiker again, do you think you would
recognize him?"
"Yes. I'm a fairly good physiognomist. Pa rt of the job, I
guess."
"Chacho, are you sure you're not with the CIA?" she
teased me.
"I refuse to answer your question on the grounds that
it may incriminate me. Besides, I don't know you that
well yet. How do I know you're open enough to handle
it," I taunted. "I am not with the CIA. And as far as the
fellow I drove to Long Island, I suppose I probably would
be able to recognize him. But what proof would that give
that he comes from outer space ?"
"Before I tell you, Charles, answer one small question.
Don't rush your answer. Think about it for a moment or
two, okay?"
"Okay," I agreed.
"How would you react? Would you be frightened,
flabbergasted, shocked? Would your head continue
working the same way it has all your life ?"
"You mean my meeting an alleged extraterrestrial?"
"Yes, that's precisely what I mean."
"Well, I might be anxious, but more than anything
else, skeptical. I don't think I'd believe a word of what
you're saying ."
"Suppose I told you that you were talking to someone
from outer space, what would you do? At this very
moment. What would your reaction be?"
"Are you trying to tell me that you are an extraterres
trial? From outer space?" I searched her face to see if she