Contact Window

Contact Window

by Will Swardstrom

The inhabitants of Yeitr Prime use what they call a Contact Window to reach new worlds and civilizations. Gatr and his young lieutenant are sent on a mission to make first contact, but face a narrow chance at success. When disaster strikes will they abort the mission, or continue on in the face of danger?

Genres: Science Fiction

Audible Audio

First published July 2, 2014

Reviews

[Bobby Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Lyndon Perry’s short story, The Return, set in the Contact Window universe, I knew what I was getting with this short story. Basically the premise is that a Contact Window — akin to a wormhole — which only appears intermittently, is being used by an alien race to make first contact with Earth.

Contact Window deals with the mission talked about in The Return, as readers get to see the events referenced in that story, play out. Well-written and fairly involving, I enjoyed it, but I liked the ending somewhat less than Perry’s prequel/sequel short story set in this same world, and inexorably connected to this story. Perhaps if I hadn’t read The Return first, I might not have found the ending to this story — and mission — just a tad disappointing, or perhaps anti-climatic.

One positive here in Contact Window, as in Perry’s story, we see fully a sense of arrogance underscoring the outwardly noble endeavor to reach out to the stars. In both Perry’s story and Swardstrom’s, it backfires, but for the species doing the contacting, or the species being contacted, I can’t say.

Short and involving, this one is also recommended for quasi-science fiction fans who just want a morsel, and not a nine course meal.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very entertaining little story! Just the right length for lunch break reading, too. I liked the characters and was sorry their day didn't go as planned. Their intentions were better than their timing. These things happen. I saw the story's twist coming, but it was still a lot of fun right to the end. Fast and fun reading.

[Colette Chadwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

So not give anything away… This is a remarkable short story of two dedicated explorers who are on a diplomatic mission to make first contact and share their technology. A delightful and clever read.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting idea - further fleshed out, could be a great book

**Spoiler warning at end of review.** I really enjoyed the majority of this story - I love first contact stories, and the premise here is really interesting. Traveling by wormhole and what that entails is some pretty cool stuff. I guess I just don't get technology that advanced being done in by fireworks, or why they couldn't avoid them.

[Graeme Tindale · Rating 4 out of 5]

As short stories go, this is an entertaining one which involves a novel concept of first contact with another civilization. It takes the time to also include an emotional connection with the principals and has a surprising twist at the end. Well-written and worth a quick read.

[Ed · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short sci-fi story about 2 members of a very intelligent race coming to help Earth people advance technologically and responsibly. However, for some strange reason, they seem to have left their own observational and reasoning skills behind. OK story, but barely.

[Tiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like the last story I read, this went was way different than what I was expecting, but in a very good way.

[Cmoore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome little story... Let me say timing is everything!