The Flying Cuspidors

The Flying Cuspidors is a science fiction short story by V. R. Francis, written in the late 1950s and first published in Fantastic Universe. Set in the year 2056, it follows trumpet player Hotlips Grogan, whose romantic feelings for singer Stella Starlight complicate his performances on the gambling ship Saturn. The story humorously explores themes of love and identity as Grogan's music inadvertently attracts extraterrestrial beings known as flying cuspidors, leading to a whimsical confrontation. This blend of romance, humor, and science fiction offers a unique perspective on intergalactic encounters.