Additionally, it is a common story-telling device of having separate side-plots that intersect with main plot in interesting or surprising ways. These side-plots can be complete stories in their own right (I guess Game of Thrones is the biggest example of this in popular media), or tiny side elements like the creepy old guy from Home Alone.
I’d say OP’s seconds story has an even more minimalist version of this device, which improves the on first story by adding some mystery for the reader (‘What does this description of a meteor have to do with anything?’) and giving this side-story a satisfying conclusion. It also somewhat reduces the bullshit factor of the deus ex machina as explained above.
Additionally, it is a common story-telling device of having separate side-plots that intersect with main plot in interesting or surprising ways. These side-plots can be complete stories in their own right (I guess Game of Thrones is the biggest example of this in popular media), or tiny side elements like the creepy old guy from Home Alone.
I’d say OP’s seconds story has an even more minimalist version of this device, which improves the on first story by adding some mystery for the reader (‘What does this description of a meteor have to do with anything?’) and giving this side-story a satisfying conclusion. It also somewhat reduces the bullshit factor of the deus ex machina as explained above.