Stamped Caution

"Stamped Caution" by Raymond Z. Gallun is a science fiction story from the 1950s that follows a group of scientists after they find a crashed alien spaceship, grappling with the consequences of this discovery. The core of the story centers around the challenges of talking to beings from other planets and the risks that come with first contact. The adventure begins when Colonel Miller and his team discover a wrecked alien craft and begin analyzing its strange cargo. They find a small, enclosed creature called Etl, who they raise and observe for many years. As Etl grows, he transforms from a confusing, baby-like thing into a smart being with a human-like curiosity. Eventually, the team takes Etl to Mars, hoping to connect with his people. The story reaches its peak during a stressful meeting with Martians, where initial fear turns into a chance for understanding and teamwork between Earth and Mars, showing both the dangers and potential of relationships between worlds.