The Night Caller

[first lines]

Ann Barlow:
Dr. Morley?

Dr. Morley:
Yes?

Ann Barlow:
Come and have a look at this. That's over a hundred miles up, coming in from space.

Dr. Morley:
Well, what's the speed?

Ann Barlow:
Over ten thousand miles an hour.

[last lines]

Medra:
In a few minutes, I shall be returning to my planet. Nothing you do can stop me. My task here on Earth is completed.

Dr. Jack Costain:
Tell us about your planet, Medra.

Medra:
A thousand years ago, we made our first stumbling steps into space. We visited the Earth only to find we could not survive its atmosphere. But we from Ganymede knew that we were superior beings and had nothing to learn from you. We had knowledge that could lead to eternal peace and progress, but also embodying the darker powers of universal destruction. So our civilisation ended, just as yours will end.

Dr. Jack Costain:
But there were survivors.

Medra:
A few. And they were terrible to look upon. It took centuries of procreation before signs of normality began to appear. A hand like this instead of this. My face? You would like to see it perhaps? It is quite typical.

Dr. Jack Costain:
Is that why you came to Earth? To find new blood?

Medra:
You have no need to fear for the young women who are returning with me. They will come to no harm. You see, we have learned our lesson. One day I may return, if it isn't too late.

Dr. Jack Costain:
Let's hope they find the cure, and tell us.