Conrad Hodson wrote:

superpower on Earth, possibly without much effort.  I imagine there are a
lot of companies, individuals and politicians who would go for a deal like
that and be quite deferential to the aliens in exchange for it.

Is it just possible that the Aliens have stopped here for a quick pee and a bite to eat before they go on to their final destination?

As Jakar on Babylon 5 pointed out, every civilization in the Galaxy has developed the equivalent of the Earth dish, Swedish Meatballs. Maybe our fastfood places appeal to the Aliens.

Bob Kolker