9

Alien comes to Earth, builds tele-transporter device but keeps the technology secret. Humans manage to spy on it. The alien 'sells' the device to humans (like Brooklyn Bridge!).

The alien doesn't own the technology, but he signs a legal document selling it anyway. Later in the novel, Earth lawyers negotiate with alien lawyers and win the case, because the alien was a legal official and his signature was binding, for some reason or other!

Any leads would be much appreciated.

Improve this question
7
  • Can you remember anything else about this novel? When did you read it, how old was it, was it in English, how long was it? Every little detail can help! See also our guidance on asking story-ID questions. – Rand al'Thor♦ Apr 18 '16 at 16:31
  • Check en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teleportation_in_fiction if it's the list. – ott-- Apr 18 '16 at 16:43
  • 1
    Could it be the same as this question? – Adamant Apr 18 '16 at 17:16
  • 2
    Is the line about "like the Brooklyn Bridge!" meant to indicate that it's demonstrated that the alien doesn't actually own said technology to sell it as per the old line about "If you believe that, I've got a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you"? – FuzzyBoots Apr 18 '16 at 17:47
  • 1
    FuzzyBoots, exactly! The alien doesn't own the technology but he signs a legal document selling it anyway. later in the novel, earth lawyers negotiate with alien lawyers and win the case, because the alien was a legal official and his signature was binding, for some reason or other! – Fabius Apr 20 '16 at 16:08

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.