Peril of the Starmen

"Peril of the Starmen" by Kris Neville is a science fiction story set in the 1950s, where alien Starmen arrive on Earth appearing peaceful, but they harbor a secret plan to destroy the planet to avert a universe-threatening disaster. Herb, the protagonist, faces a daunting moral challenge, struggling with his involvement in the impending planetary doom as the cynical Oligarch fills him in on the grim predicament of humankind. While the Starmen acclimatize to Earth’s culture, encountering an information overload, political figures grow wary, sparking intense debates fueled by fear and suspicion about the aliens' real goals. The narrative ignites a clash of power, trust, and existential stakes as various characters navigate intricate relationships amid the escalating crisis.