The Sloths of Kruvny

"The Sloths of Kruvny" by Vern Fearing is a funny science fiction story from the 1950s that pokes fun at space travel and how humans react to strange aliens. It's about war, making peace, and how people can be surprising when they meet challenges in space. The story follows Brad, a heavy-set and somewhat clumsy guy, as he goes on a space mission with his odd friend Ugh. They find Kruvny, a planet full of lazy creatures fighting with the Sidemen, who are driving them crazy with saxophone music. Brad and Ugh meet the silly leaders of the Kruv and come up with a plan. But then, they find out Earth has been destroyed, which makes them think about what it all means and what they should do next.