Big Stupe

"Big Stupe" by Charles V. De Vet is a science fiction story that unfolds on Waterfield's Planet, a desert world where Earthmen meet native tribes, and examines what happens when different cultures come together. Led by the arrogant Bruckner, a crew from Earth searches for valuable minerals while trying to build a friendly relationship with the locals. When a tipsy crew member blunders into, and messes up, a local celebration, tensions flared with the native people. The crew is kept amused by Big Stupe, a funny creature whose antics bring some light-heartedness to the drama. Even though disagreements arise, the Earthmen gain a degree of respect from the natives. As they are about to leave, they unexpectedly learn that Big Stupe is seen by the natives as an important part of who they are. The narrative fuses comedy with thoughtful ideas of human nature and the problems when cultures collide.