In the narrative of "Agent to the Stars" by John Scalzi, a humorous interaction unfolds between characters during a tense encounter with an alien leader. Van Doren, seemingly incredulous, expresses disbelief at the use of a Steve Miller song as a quote in such a significant moment. This highlights a mix of levity and seriousness in the story, showcasing the characters' dynamics amidst unique circumstances.

Despite the initial surprise, the protagonist responds sharply, yet humorously, indicating that the unconventional approach was effective. This moment captures the blend of oddities and unexpected outcomes experienced in their dealings with extraterrestrial beings, reflecting Scalzi's signature style of combining humor and science fiction elements.