We Didn't Do Anything Wrong, Hardly

"We Didn't Do Anything Wrong, Hardly" by Roger Kuykendall is a science fiction short story published in the late 1950s. The narrative revolves around the imaginative adventures of a group of kids who create their own spaceship using salvaged materials and concoct innovative scientific solutions. The story explores themes of childhood creativity and the innocence of youth, combined with a humorous take on the misunderstandings that arise from their escapades. In the story, the protagonist and his friend Skinny build a makeshift spaceship to explore the world, fueled by their imaginative interpretations of science and technology. As they embark on their journey, they accidentally come across a downed satellite, which they view as a harmless addition to their adventure. Their innocent act of taking the satellite back to their home is soon misinterpreted on a larger scale, leading to international scrutiny and humorous situations when the Russian authorities raise alarm. Ultimately, their actions, while misinterpreted as theft, are revealed to be less nefarious than they initially seem, and they highlight the playful nature of childhood curiosity amidst a backdrop of tense geopolitical relations.