Prelude to Space

** "Prelude to Space" by Robert W. Haseltine is a science fiction story that considers humanity's place in a larger universe. The story centers around a person who meets a visitor from another world on a Wisconsin hillside. This visitor says he's taking a survey for the Galactic Federation, an organization that includes civilizations from across the stars. He explains that Earth's entry into this group depends on whether its people are ready for peace and space travel. The protagonist thinks about what this means for humanity's future and what responsibilities come with exploring space and connecting with alien cultures. The story explores themes of interstellar relations and humanity's fitness to join a community of planets. **