The Little Monsters Come

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"The Little Monsters Come" by Ray Cummings is a science fiction novella originally published in the early 20th century. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the Florida Everglades and follows the attempts of tiny extraterrestrial beings known as Orites who come from a rocky asteroid beyond Mars. The narrative primarily explores themes of size disparity, exploration, and survival through its protagonist, Allen Nixon, who unexpectedly finds himself in a perilous encounter with these enigmatic creatures. The plot centers on Allen Nixon, a backwoodsman who ventures into the bayou for a night of alligator hunting. He soon discovers that he is not alone; tiny humanoid creatures are collecting specimens for their own purposes. Nixon's initial awe quickly turns into a battle for survival as these miniatures turn aggressive, attacking him in overwhelming numbers. Captured and transported to their spaceship, he learns that they seek to experiment on him to develop a growth serum that could allow them to dominate their own harsh world. Nixon ultimately has to navigate this strange environment, confront the scheming Tork, and decide the fate of both himself and the Orites after he escapes captivity. The climax of the story showcases not only a physical confrontation between Nixon and Tork but also a struggle over the moral implications of power and survival on Orana, culminating in Nixon's decision to return to his home on Earth.