Once Upon A Planet

"Once Upon A Planet" by J. J. Allerton is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around a powerful warlord, King Miotis, who is struggling with the sudden disinterest in war among his subjects. Faced with existential ennui, Miotis seeks a solution from his wise vizier, Kannot, who proposes a transfer of Miotis' soul into a human from Earth, a planet filled with conflict. The book explores themes of war, violence, and the nature of humanity as seen through the eyes of two very different warriors from alternate worlds. The plot unfolds as Miotis' soul inhabits Bly Stanton, a warrior from a future Earth ravaged by conflict and devoid of women due to man-made calamities. Upon entering Bly's body, Miotis experiences a shifting revelation about the futility and destructiveness of war. As he navigates a world of surviving men and encounters a group of women, he comes to grasp the dire consequences of violence and the preciousness of life. Ultimately, Miotis returns to his home planet transformed, advocating for the abolition of war, signaling a profound change in his character and a hopeful future for both worlds. The story ends with the realization that true power lies in the cessation of violence, an unforeseen outcome of Miotis' journey.