Quote:

   “I’ve got to see you, Mr. Burke—you or one of the scientists. One of the top scientists.” The man’s voice faded, then strengthened as if he had turned his head away from the mouth-piece as he spoke.
   “If you could explain your problem,” said Burke cautiously, “I might be able to help you.”
   “No,” said the man. “You’d tell me I was crazy. You’ve got to come out here. I promise you you’ll see something you’ve never imagined in your wildest dreams.”

Republished in Chateau d’If and Other Stories, Spatterlight, 2012.

Series Number: 1

Republished: The Fox Valley Murders, Spatterlight 2012 and as part of The Joe Bain mysteries, Spatteright, 2013.

[Wikipedia article]

Republished Space Opera, Spatterlight, 2012.

According to Vance when he wrote the introduction to Morreion (MSF meulenhoff, 1978) he wrote “Alfred’s Ark” mostly to entertain himself and meant it as a comment on the shortcomings of humanity. He admits that the story is not SF or Fantasy—or even a regular short story, but was pleased to have it published. He also asserts that it was first published by New Directions, but I haven’t been able to confirm that.

Republished in The Moon Moth and Other Stories, Spatterlight, 2012.