LUNCHTIME OF THE GODS EPISODE 4

(On another unidentified planet, which is neither Alsup nor The Planet, a FARMER is working in a field on a sunny day. His crops are very tall and healthy. He pauses from his work, takes off his hat, and wipes the sweat from his forehead.)

WOMAN’S VOICE (Offstage):

The sun was once thought to be a god, and it’s easy to see why. After all, the sun is what makes the crops grow, makes the winds blow, and provides us with light and warmth. It could be said that the sun is the source of life on this planet.

(The FARMER smiles and looks toward the sun).

FARMER:

Thank you, Lord.

(Somewhere on the other side of the same unidentified planet, a man and woman are lying down on a grassy field, looking up at a bright array of stars in the night time sky).

WOMAN:

The gods are smiling tonight.

MAN:

So am I.

(Now, we are back with the FARMER, working in his field on a sunny day.)

WOMAN’S VOICE (Offstage):

According to some old religions, the real gods are the unseen entities who put the stars there in the first place – and could just as easily take them away again. If such beings exist, they are truly gods amongst the gods.

(Suddenly, the sunlight fades in stages until it disappears. The FARMER looks up, confused, now lit only by starlight.)

(Meanwhile, on yet another unidentified planet, BOB peers through a telescope while FRED takes notes. A reddish star dims in stages… then vanishes.)

BOB:

Oh, man. Syracuse just disappeared.

FRED:

No way, man!

BOB:

Take a look for yourself.

(Fred looks through the telescope.)

FRED:

It’s gone, man!

(In a lecture hall, LUCY SKYWATCHER stands at a podium before star charts and a whiteboard.)

LUCY:

That will be all for tonight, class. Your next assignment is to read Chapter 2 of The History of Astronomy, and do the exercises at the end of the chapter.

(Students file out. BOB and FRED rush in, nearly colliding with them.)

BOB:

Professor! Professor Skywatcher!

EDITOR’S END NOTE: Will Professor Skywatcher be able to answer Bob and Fred’s questions? Which university does she teach at? Who – or What – is behind the disappearing stars? And how will Captain Westonia fit into the picture? Join us in 7 or more days for our next newsletter!