Circle Is Closed

Progeny, Book 2

By: Ray Jay Perreault

Narrated by: Christopher M. Allport

Humanity left Earth a long time ago. They had treated their home planet poorly, and the deteriorating environment forced them to leave. They traveled 189 light years to a faraway world and named it Horizon, respecting the new lives they intended to build. Fortunately, they learned their lessons and treated their new world much better. After over 100,000 years away from Earth, they still revered her and taught their children her beauty. They knew that someday they would return, and hopefully Earth had healed, and she would welcome them back. They finally developed faster than light travel, and the first place they wanted to visit was the home planet of the human race. When a small crew made the trip, they found that Earth was healed and healthy, but they also found changes that surprised them. When they left to return to Horizon, they had more questions than when they left.

©2015 Raymond J. Perreault (P)2016 Raymond J. Perreault

For a short tale, it has depth.

Note: While this is Book 2 in the series, it works fine as a stand alone story.

Commander Leopold Harnessy is leading a mission to test a new FLT (Faster Than Light) technology. The humans of planet Horizon hope to find old Earth and perhaps resettle her but first a test ship must be sent to see if the new tech works. If it does, then larger ships could be sent the same way. The Horizon humans left Earth many, many generations ago but they still revere her. Now, they wish to reclaim that heritage.

Harnessy must leave his family on Horizon as he undertakes this possibly dangerous mission. His daughter Rose asks him a serious question about Earth during the send off ceremony. Harnessy hopes to find the answer to it and many other questions. When Harnessy & crew arrive at Earth, she is healed of all the environmental damage that forced humans to leave her so long ago. However, Harnessy and his shipmates are met with a surprise.

The author did a great job for such a short story. There’s plenty to consider in this compact tale. I was quickly drawn into the tale. There’s some big questions the main character has to consider, both before he leaves Horizon and once he gets to Earth. While the story moves swiftly along, it has depth.

I received a copy of this audiobook from the author at no cost in exchange for an honest review.

Narration: Christopher M. Allport tossed in some real ship sounds for when the ship AI is answering questions or announcing something. Each character was distinct and the the female voices were realistic. He also performed an old lady and a little girl with success.

Another great short story...need more!!!

Any additional comments?

This short story follows right behind the previous book, Progeny. It feels like it should be Chapter 2 in a much longer story. I sure hope it is because I like imagining where this story can lead. It is short, but well written and again, well narrated by Mr. Allport. The tone in this story was much more human and emotional than Progeny, but that's to be expected given the different points of view.

I'm excited to see where the story goes from here. Can't wait!!!


I received a free copy of this audio book for an honest review.

Unique Take on Humanity’s Return to Earth

"Circle Is Closed" offers a unique and fresh perspective on humanity's future. The idea of returning to a healed Earth after 100,000 years was intriguing, and Perreault didn't disappoint with the surprises he delivered. Christopher M. Allport’s performance is flawless, adding depth to the story and enhancing the overall experience. A must-listen for fans of futuristic exploration.

A Tale of Cosmic Twins

Follow the intertwined fates of two individuals navigating mysteries of the universe, blending emotion, science, and adventure in a compelling sci-fi narrative.

Interesting short with potential

This very short story that has potential. Earth was decimated centuries ago and the human population relocated many light years away, planning sometime in the future to return. That future is now, and after designing a means to traverse the distance quickly, they send out a reconnaissance team that are surprised by what they discover.
A bit too short and technical for my liking but the story concept is very interesting and has potential. It felt like the introduction to a much longer story rather than a complete story in its self, but perhaps it is the authors style that he reveals his story in short snippets rather than in a longer tale. The narration fit the story well but I did find that the beeps and bells were more distracting than enhancing. I received this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.