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Paradox
(2,700 Words)
~~~~~
…When I’m able to set aside the terror and the realization of what a horrible predicament I face, I have so many questions. Why didn’t Space Command abort the trip and stop the ship remotely? Couldn’t they see that something was wrong? They must have, as telemetry for remote control was one of their precious safeguards. Did that fail too? We have ourselves a regular comedy of errors, it seems, though I find it not even remotely funny. It could be worse, I suppose; I could be dead….
…”Think about it, Ted.” I might as well talk to myself since there’s nothing else to do. “What do you think is going to happen now?”….
~~~~~
Ted volunteered for the mission because, after all, it was just a routine trip to Mars. What could possibly go wrong?
In the deepest, darkest reaches of space, one must fill the vacuum, the void, the emptiness. Yet do we humans have the “psychological stuff” for deep space travel? If not, we may end up like Ted.
~~~~~
…When I’m able to set aside the terror and the realization of what a horrible predicament I face, I have so many questions. Why didn’t Space Command abort the trip and stop the ship remotely? Couldn’t they see that something was wrong? They must have, as telemetry for remote control was one of their precious safeguards. Did that fail too? We have ourselves a regular comedy of errors, it seems, though I find it not even remotely funny. It could be worse, I suppose; I could be dead….
…”Think about it, Ted.” I might as well talk to myself since there’s nothing else to do. “What do you think is going to happen now?”….
~~~~~
Ted volunteered for the mission because, after all, it was just a routine trip to Mars. What could possibly go wrong?
In the deepest, darkest reaches of space, one must fill the vacuum, the void, the emptiness. Yet do we humans have the “psychological stuff” for deep space travel? If not, we may end up like Ted.
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 20, 2012
I'm very skeptic when it comes to scientific stories, being more a fan of fantasy. Despite this, I decided to give this short story a try; I figured, it's just a short story and could be worth a quick read. It did not disappoint.
Focusing more on psychological aspects of the human mind, rather than science, this short story drew me in. It gave an intriguing look into a man's descent into madness after being separated from mankind for over thirty years.
The story itself was paced well and was not too short, nor too long; rather, it worked well with the length it had.
My only complaint is that I wish there had been a deeper look into just who the main character is. Some background information; although, the story works fine without it. For a short story, it contains everything it needs to and will draw readers in - make them feel as if they are the one enduring solitude.
The ending itself works well and, while I don't wish to spoil anything, there is definitely some underlying meaning with the ending.
Anyone looking for a short read, or just something in general, I definitely recommend taking a look at Paradox - A Short Story ebook. It's worth it.
Focusing more on psychological aspects of the human mind, rather than science, this short story drew me in. It gave an intriguing look into a man's descent into madness after being separated from mankind for over thirty years.
The story itself was paced well and was not too short, nor too long; rather, it worked well with the length it had.
My only complaint is that I wish there had been a deeper look into just who the main character is. Some background information; although, the story works fine without it. For a short story, it contains everything it needs to and will draw readers in - make them feel as if they are the one enduring solitude.
The ending itself works well and, while I don't wish to spoil anything, there is definitely some underlying meaning with the ending.
Anyone looking for a short read, or just something in general, I definitely recommend taking a look at Paradox - A Short Story ebook. It's worth it.
December 21, 2011
Literally breath taking view of a descent into madness and knowledge of one's own impending doom. Really enjoyed this short story!
June 9, 2013
A short journey through mind..and space... (sorry couldn't help it!) or is this a long journey through space and mind? Whatever you choose this is an extremely well executed short story. Nice way to delve into feelings of isolation and time. Speeding up as we approach our death. Is there a place such as Valhalla or Heaven? Does it affect those last days..hours.. minutes having that faith? Or knowing we have no control...no way to change course or even put faith on the shelf when science will be ruling the day?
The title says it's a paradox..I would have to agree, life tends to be one no matter which path you choose.
Nice play, Lane! The psychological aspects of space travel aside, I believe there was much more to this little gem
4.5 stars
The title says it's a paradox..I would have to agree, life tends to be one no matter which path you choose.
Nice play, Lane! The psychological aspects of space travel aside, I believe there was much more to this little gem
4.5 stars
January 9, 2012
Fantastic! I just loved this one. It's the 3rd piece I've read of Diamond's, and I'm now officially a fan. He just released a novel too, so I guess that's next on my reading list.
December 7, 2013
4.5
*Book source ~ Many thanks to the author for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ted is in a space capsule heading on a routine mission to Mars. He’s put into stasis and when he wakes up he’s 30 years past his arrival date. What? How did this happen? He doesn’t have enough oxygen, water or food to last him even if he could travel back to Mars or Earth. What is he going to do?
Ok, this story freaked me out. While I love Star Trek and Star Wars, I have no desire to be away from the plentiful if slightly polluted oxygen available to me here on good old Earth. Ted’s situation gave me the heebie jeebies. And the ending? Holy crap! I had to read it twice just to make sure I had it right.
*Book source ~ Many thanks to the author for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ted is in a space capsule heading on a routine mission to Mars. He’s put into stasis and when he wakes up he’s 30 years past his arrival date. What? How did this happen? He doesn’t have enough oxygen, water or food to last him even if he could travel back to Mars or Earth. What is he going to do?
Ok, this story freaked me out. While I love Star Trek and Star Wars, I have no desire to be away from the plentiful if slightly polluted oxygen available to me here on good old Earth. Ted’s situation gave me the heebie jeebies. And the ending? Holy crap! I had to read it twice just to make sure I had it right.
May 29, 2013
Very short Novella, well written, although what I consider to be flowery and old-style in its rich use of description rather than character building. I prefer stories help me identify with the characters- with Paradox, I felt like I was on the outside of the story watching an impending train wreck, hoping for a last minute miracle. Then again, isn't that what we want a good story to do? Pull us in so hard we can't look away? This story was about an event- I didn't find myself sympathetic to the protagonist, although I was curious to know where the story was going. My potential 4-star rating boosted to a 5 upon the surprise ending I was totally not expecting. Well done!
June 8, 2013
Great.. as if my earthly fears of dying in fire or under water weren't enough, now Mr. Diamond had added death by loneliness in space to my phobias.
Very well written and laid out in a way that makes me wonder if the author didn't spend some solitary time in a tin can to turn fears into this written word. It's a very short read but puts a ton of information in those pages...And an ever so subtle surprise that I feel many readers will miss...but as I'm not one for spoilers, you'll just have to get it and read it for yourself. Don't blame me if you start searching out more writings from Lane Diamond!
Very well written and laid out in a way that makes me wonder if the author didn't spend some solitary time in a tin can to turn fears into this written word. It's a very short read but puts a ton of information in those pages...And an ever so subtle surprise that I feel many readers will miss...but as I'm not one for spoilers, you'll just have to get it and read it for yourself. Don't blame me if you start searching out more writings from Lane Diamond!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews