The Return Flight: A Space Exploration Philosophical Fiction Novelette

by G. Edward Martin

A crew of experienced astronauts nearing the completion of a 20-year mission in space discover that their ship is being followed by an unknown craft on their way back to earth. In this science fiction novelette, the crew debates an impossible decision on whether to lead the craft back to earth and risk all of humanity, or veer off into space to protect the earth but ensure their own demise.

Short story/novelette
13,000 words
Science fiction
From 13 Acorns- Modern Short Stories for Thoughtful Adults

53 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2023

About the author

Hello! My name is G. Edward Martin.

I am a six-time award-winning USA indie author and illustrator based out of Nashville, TN. I write in the genre of Philosophical Fiction, which I often describe as using the art of storytelling to explore difficult questions related to morality, reality, and our pursuit of meaning.

Beneath this umbrella, I have written stories in a variety of genres including literary fiction, religious fiction, historical fiction, comedy, contemporary, fantasy, science fiction, supernatural mystery, allegory, dystopian satire, short stories, and Native American Fiction.

I have written and published three full-size books (two novels and one short story collection), six novellas/novelettes, and one dozen short stories. Additionally, I have much, much more on the way.

My most popular titles include:

• Truth and Evil: A Religious Historical Fiction Novelette Set During World War II

• The Blueberry Daughter: A Fictional Ojibwe Legend

• The Mighty Esox: A Supernatural Mystery Novel

• 13 Acorns: Modern Short Stories for Thoughtful Adults

• The Nobody Who Fought a Dragon: A Dark Comedy Novelette

• The False Treeing Hound: A Feel-Good Short Story

• The Flower from the Garbage: A Philosophical & Literary Fiction Novel

As a philosopher, I regard your time as sacred; thus, as an author, my commitment is to give the very best of myself to every story. When you read one of my stories, I want you to connect with the stories, look at life your life in new ways, learn new things, laugh, reconnect, and see yourself deeply in every character.

My hope and belief is that every story of mine will arrive in your life with serendipitous timing and synchronistic relevance to your unique life in the unique season in which you stumbled upon them. In other words, I have faith that you will find my stories, or they will find you, exactly when they are supposed to.

Although there is an endless amount of skill an author can cultivate in the art of writing, at the foundation of my dream, I am wholeheartedly committed to only ever writing stories that are worth being told. My mission is that every reader who chooses one of my stories always closes the last page feeling hopeful, slightly wiser or more thoughtful, and looking at life with rejuvenated eyesight.

I want to see people thrive and fall back in love with this miraculous existence that we are so blessed to be a part of, and writing is my life’s calling for how I can do my part to contribute to this end.

Additionally, I love to connect with every reader, and I would be delighted to hear from you. My email address is EdwardMartinBooks@gmail. com. If you would like to learn more about all my stories or new books coming soon, check out my website: EdwardMartinBooks. com

Additionally, I am pledging 10% of all my book royalties to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Someday, I will expand this list to help support other amazing organizations, but for now the St. Jude's team is doing incredible work and I cannot think of a worthier cause.

Thank you for being a reader!

G. Edward Martin

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book Presents an Excellent Synopsis of “What If” …

I very much enjoyed this Short SciFi Story, and believe it was well done and enjoyable! Anyone reading this Review should “Most Definitely!!!” go read this ASAP!!!

That being said, while The Author and I both agree on the final outcome for this Book — I don’t agree with HOW he arrived at the decision he wrote. But, I’ll accept that’s The Author’s perogative.

And although The Author did a good job of laying out the options that the human crew faced, at lest one possibility was completely ignored — they never seem to have considered that the 2nd craft might ALSO have been from Earth … the lack of communication from it would still have been puzzling, but it STILL might have been humans, sent out to check on them.

And, from a purely technical point-of-view (from having worked at NASA for a few decades) — I found it hard to believe that the ship lost all long-distance communications with Earth, and this couldn’t somehow be jury-rigged to work, again (or even just send a basic Morse Code or “We’re still alive” signal). After all, the Voyager spacecraft are very crude and low-powered, compared to the ship in this story — but we can still hear from them in their current crippled state of operations.

[Amy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking space adventure

The Return Flight is an edge-of-your-seat read that I couldn’t put down. Although the story would normally be out of my purview, the deep philosophical dilemmas, and nail-biting suspense kept me hooked until the very last word!

The story balances scientific intrigue with raw human emotion, making me feel every moment of uncertainty, fear, and hope alongside the characters. The numerous twists that emerged left me questioning what I would do in their place.

The ending did leave me wanting more—I need to know what the outcome brings! If you love gripping sci-fi with depth and heart, The Return Flight is a must-read. Highly recommend!

[Lynn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The depth that is in this book is phenomenal. A crew of astronauts spend years in space, gathering resources and data to bring back to Earth. When they are faced with a life-threatening choice, they come together to try and find the nearly impossible answer to their problem. But what I loved most was how the author took the different characters and their unique roles on the ship and had them question what the right answer would be in a philosophical manner. Honestly, I wouldn't want to be apart of this crew and have the weight of this decision on my shoulders. Amazing read!

[Christy Skidmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the premise of this book. Being followed through space by some unknown entity would be just as terrifying as this author portrayed. I certainly wouldn't want to be the one saddled with this decision. However, the crew did end up picking the same decision I would have, so heck, maybe I am cut out to be a space captain after all. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a quick sci-fi read.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I am not sure what I would do if I were in the position as the characters in this story.

No matter what decision you make you when presented with multiple choices and no matter what you decide you may never know the outcome

Very short but straight to the point.

I want to know the outcome. I am vested.

[Quintin Engelbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short but enjoyable read. That being said, this book delved into much deeper issues than I thought it would, and I sincerely enjoyed that. Short, sweet, and powerful. Doesn't dive into too much of the hard science, but that is to be expected with such a short length. Good ending that I didn't expect. Just wish it was less ambiguous haha.

[Charlene Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a wonderful read. I love science fiction, and was wondering how the astronauts decision would turn out. I read this book the whole way through. I would definitely give it a 5 star. I couldn't put it down. The plot was very interesting, and kept me intrigued.

[Joseph Antonello · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read

I enjoyed the give and take of the crew with this most difficult question..was wonderful reading the differing opinions.
I think that if I were Captain, I'd make the same decision as Reed did.
Quick read..read it all in one sitting.
I highly recommend this book.

[R D Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think G. Edward Martin is a brilliant writer. In this current story, he was clearly able to bring out the true dilemma the Captain was facing and how his interactions with the crew were very compelling, and he was able to make you feel his angst.

[Anna Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when there is no perfect solution? G. Edward Martin takes a real life problem, i.e not knowing the outcome and having to make decisions anyway, and puts it in a futuristic and far-fetched setting. This books is relatable, but also deeply thought provoking.

[W Swetnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

short

A fast read but will make one think. Always options. Not sure what one to make always go with faith

[Jillian Mismas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and powerful! I enjoyed the writing and storyline, will definitely read again!