The crowd leapt to their feet, craning their heads for a better view. It wasn’t often this sleepy little Midwestern town was the center of attention.
At the front of the auditorium, he or she or it – no one was completely sure – waddled across the stage, a long, elegant robe trailing.
The short, squat alien paused alongside the lowered podium and raised its hand. The crowd clapped furiously – as was instructed.
But for how long?
Bureaucrats in dark suits told everyone that Earth’s newest visitor fed off the applause. It was essential to its well-being.
But again, for how long?
The Weekday One Hundred 