Mimsy's Joke

"Mimsy's Joke" by Millard Grimes is a science fiction story about an archaeologist named Oscar Nance who journeys to Mars and makes a strange discovery. Under the leadership of a strict commander, Nance and his team search the Martian landscape, only to encounter a Martian named Staang, who tells them an unbelievable secret. Staang explains that Earth is already home to the descendants of Martians - the dogs. Long ago, Martians secretly invaded Earth, but over time, they became the lazy dogs we know today. The explorers are shocked to learn that they are actually the punchline of a joke that has lasted for ages, questioning their own perceptions of intelligence and who serves who as they prepare to return to Earth with this jaw-dropping news.