Control Group

Control Group by Roger D. Aycock throws you into the tense, dust-streaked frontier of reclaimed space as a small Terran Reclamations crew lands on the eerie, verdant world of Alphard Six. In this science-fiction short story steeped in literary craft, impulsive navigator Farrell clashes with cautious captain Stryker and the pragmatic engineer-linguist Gibson as they follow cold, bureaucratic reclamation rules to a planet that was abandoned after the Hymenop (the Bees) invasion of 3025. Aycock blends crisp, character-driven narrative with atmospheric worldbuilding—shorelines, domes, and the relics of conflict—while probing themes of duty, curiosity, and the ethics of reclaiming other people’s worlds. The tiny mechanical Xavier adds a wry counterpoint to human foibles as the crew navigates 226 light years from Sol and the uncertain margins of Terran expansion. Historical context—post-invasion retreat to hubs like 70 Ophiuchi, the scars of colonization, and the slow, formal work of recovery—colors every careful step they take. Ideal for listeners who enjoy thoughtful science-fiction short stories, Control Group will appeal to fans of character-led exploration, speculative history, and atmospheric, morally textured SF storytelling.