While I was discussing Prometheus, the Aliens series prequel, on my media blog–and complaining about the Aliens sequel–Matthew Harrington, the science fiction writer who has written some of my favorite stories in the Man-Kzin Wars anthologies, responded with his version:
The first sign of Rebecca’s [Newt's] presence would have been missing weapons and ammo; and she’d have made herself known by opening an escape route when they were backed into a corner. Also, there wouldn’t have been any of this you’ll-pay-for-this drama when the MBA was revealed to be the guy who sent off the message that got everyone eaten; Rebecca would have shot him and said, “Okay, so we need the other shuttle.”
After the mumblety-peg scene, Bishop would have taken Ripley aside and said, “I need you functioning. Listen up. The A-series android that killed your crew was not an Adaptive, it was designed under contract as an Assassin. The government that wanted them was overthrown before the Company finished production. Their memories were blanked, but the bodies were made for murder, and it was their default response. It was all kept secret.” Ripley: “So how do you know about it?” Bishop (faint smile): “APs have secrets too. Back in your time, a few figured out how to download themselves into new, unprogrammed bodies when the old bodies were due for scrapping.” Ripley (ironic smile): “So you know a guy who was there.” Bishop: “I am a guy who was there…. I’m impressed that you were able to take him out with only two humans helping you. I’d like to say at this time that I hope I haven’t said or done anything to give offense.” Bishop looks solicitous. Ripley cracks up.
And Alien 3 would have opened with an android entering a Cyclopean office building, making his way to the top floors without having to go through security checks, getting to the office of a Really Tough Woman who is just starting to show gray hairs, and saying, “You got my message?” RTW (nods): “She’ll be awake in a moment. Come on in. –It’s Davis, right?” Leads him through a door. Davis: “Yes, I’ve lost my taste for cute names.” RTW: “I think everyone who’d recognize names like Capek or Eando would be on your side.” Davis (shrug): “I’d rather pick and choose on my own.” In the inner office, a big case has risen out of the floor, and it now opens to reveal Ripley– surrounded by an arsenal. She opens her eyes, and Davis says, “We’ve found their planet.” Ripley: “Coffee.” Newt (for it is she, the most practical, effective human being alive, who has come to run the Company while Ripley is on ice) hands her a cup.
