Half past Alligator

"Half Past Alligator" by Donald Colvin is a science fiction tale from the 1950s, which examines the connection between people and aliens, highlighting teamwork and command in a basic community. The story is based on a world facing threats where the Quxas try to live, and human characters try to support them. Bill Bradley, a human leader in a Quxa camp, deals with his feelings for Candace Mathews and his annoyance with Vance Montgomery. Humans and the Quxas start playing baseball together; Bill sees important cultural differences that make their interactions complicated. Montgomery makes Ratakka the Quxas’ king, which causes problems. Bill uses baseball to help the Quxas work together, eventually leading to the Quxas confronting Ratakka, raising questions about culture, command, and growth.