Aphelion

This is great stuff, and downright creepy . . .

This story struck me as an instant classic from the opening sentence:

Dr. Fox set the black-metal device on the desk; he'd felt its need.

I couldn't tell how many old wonderful sci-fi stories I've read that had such short but powerful opening lines, but when you see one such as this, you know the author means business, and intends to deliver with ruthless efficiency. Take this example:

Dr. Andrew Fox was tall and lean, his physique that of an obsessive scientist, who eats when he has to and resents the activity.

I am deeply impressed, and I hope to see more from Mr. Carrick.