Beside the golden door

"Beside the Golden Door" by Henry Slesar is a captivating science fiction story that transports readers to a future tinged by the echoes of Earth's forgotten past. The story follows Ky-Tann and Devia as they learn about the discoveries of their friend Deez on a remote planet, once called Earth, where he unearthed the remains of an ancient civilization. Deez's revelations involve a statue that serves as a somber reminder of the catastrophic mistreatment of the Blues, aliens fleeing their own ravaged world. As the narrative unfolds, the story shines a light on the parallels between the past tragedy and humanity's current prejudices against the Blues, exposing a volatile blend of hostility and intolerance. Driven by fears, these actions drive the Blues away, mirroring the sorrowful fate of their predecessors. In this story, Slesar confronts the lasting impact of prejudice and humanity's capacity for compassion, urging us to consider the cyclical nature of history and the heavy consequences of our choices regarding acceptance.