the cockpit and impersonates it, in order to hide. It then psychically examines the minds of the humans and other organisms on the ship and is increasingly disturbed by their chaotic, conflicting existence as individuals. It is revolted by the fact that they show selfishness and competition, instead of altruism and cooperation. The creature is greatly saddened by being disconnected from the planetary consciousness, but takes solace in the fact that it will soon perform its mission and join with all life on Earth. The invasion is thwarted however, when the stowaway is accidentally killed after the research ship lands on Earth; the wiring it was impersonating controlled the ship's airlock doors, and it was incinerated when they were activated. The ship's scientist, aware of the potential threat from Saybrook's Planet, is relieved to return to the anarchy that is Earth. Critical response Science fiction author and critic Damon Knight wrote: Story notes Asimov notes in the introduction that this story was (unintentionally) a reworking of the theme from Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell. "Green Patches" was later included in an early Foundation Series timeline that was published in Thrilling Wonder Stories along with the story The Portable Star. Asimov returned to the theme of a unified planetary consciousness in his novels Foundation's Edge, Foundation and Earth, and Nemesis. References External links "Green Patches"/"Misbegotten Missionary" at the Internet Archive Short stories by Isaac Asimov 1950 short stories Works originally published in Galaxy Science Fiction