Leading American prose writer Robert Sheckley (born 1928) is a prominent representative of the satirical and humorous movement. Most of his works were included in the collections “Mind Exchange. Ticket to Planet Trapay” (1968), “The Worlds of Robert Sheckley” (1984), “The Civilization of Status” (1990). Our readers had the opportunity to get acquainted with his creative style on the pages of the magazine (see, for example, “Science and Life” No. 6, 1962; No. 2, 2001). We bring to your attention another of his stories. No. 9 2002