If You Was a Moklin

"If You Was a Moklin" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction tale that explores a planet where humans and intelligent aliens called Moklins have coexisted for decades. The story follows Joe Brinkley and his fellow human traders as they encounter a rival trading post that mysteriously mirrors their own, sparking suspicion and concern. The arrival of Inspector Caldwell kicks off an investigation that reveals unsettling truth: the Moklins are evolving and creating offspring that look remarkably like humans. This discovery ignites fears of assimilation and potential loss of human dominance. The narrative builds to a pivotal decision where humans choose to leave Moklin, yet Brinkley considers returning to forge a bond with a Moklin. The story highlights themes of identity, competition, adaptation, and the complex relationships formed between different species in a shared world.