In a stunning development that has left both historians and sci-fi enthusiasts scratching their heads, a group of extraterrestrials has filed an intergalactic lawsuit against NASA, claiming they were never paid for their role as extras in what they allege was the staged moon landing of 1969. The aliens, hailing from the distant planet of Absurdia in the Galactic Cluster of Ridiculo, are demanding back pay along with interest accruing over the last five decades.
Reports suggest the lawsuit was delivered in the form of a cosmic subpoena—essentially an envelope made of starlight and hydrogen—dropped right on NASA’s doorstep. The perplexed janitor who discovered it on his morning rounds reportedly tried to mop it up before realizing the predicament.
“We were lured under false pretenses,” stated Zog, the leader of the alien consortium, during a rare press conference beamed directly to Earth’s satellites. “They promised laser light shows, premium-grade cheese, and eternal glory in exchange for our services in the so-called ‘lunar’ set. But all we got were some plastic props and a pat on our tentacles.”
According to Zog, the elaborate lunar backdrop was constructed entirely from mattress foam and borrowed lunar dust, sprinkled cunningly to create a semblance of authenticity. Special effects included a strategically placed table fan to mimic otherworldly levels of gravity.
Zog further elaborated that their scene, which was ultimately cut from the final broadcast, involved a complex interstellar dance number that was said to be way ahead of its time. “They said our moves were too alien,” the aggrieved extraterrestrial lamented, “which we took as a compliment. Yet they cut us out entirely!”
In response to the lawsuit, a former NASA official commented under the condition of anonymity, “Well, this is a fine mess! We thought the cheese we’d left out as payment had gone moldy. Turns out it attracted mice, not aliens.”
NASA, typically tight-lipped on legal matters, issued a short but curious statement: “We are currently in contact with our legal team and intergalactic relations experts to address this unexpected turn of events. In the meantime, we remind everyone that any offers of moon cheese should be verified through appropriate channels.”
Meanwhile, conspiracy theorists, who’ve long touted the idea of the moon landing being a hoax, have embraced the extraterrestrial claims, though not without additional theories of their own. Some posit that the aliens were not only unpaid but also secretly worked as directors, editors, and key grips.
In an unexpected twist, a GoFundMe campaign titled “Keep the Aliens Happy Fund” has sprung up online, attracting numerous donations from donors who wish to support the aliens’ cause. As one donor eloquently put it, “They were there in our time of need. It’s high time we returned the favor, even if it involves a little back pay.”
As this interstellar lawsuit unfolds, Earthlings everywhere eagerly await the outcome, hoping it doesn’t result in a cosmic eviction notice for humanity’s tardiness in meeting payroll. After all, it’s one giant leap for extraterrestrial-kind—and one giant accounting headache for mankind.