Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores, April 2021

“One Good Turn…” by Alan K. Baker

Reviewed by Michelle Ristuccia

In “One Good Turn” by Alan K. Baker, an unexpected alien encounter interrupts a small cargo crew’s attempts to repair their crashed ship. Stuck light years from known civilization, captain Varin and her two crewmates argue over meeting the alien with force and scramble to deal with the life form’s increasingly bizarre behavior. This light comedy of errors includes irony, banter, and drinking jokes. Although one line goes to interesting lengths to avoid mentioning an anatomical word, some readers may prefer that. A simple, entertaining story about giving the benefit of the doubt, showcasing a captain wrangling two bumbling crew mates, and a fair bit of ironic luck.

Michelle Ristuccia enjoys slowing down time in the middle of the night to write, read, and review speculative fiction, because sleeping offspring are the best inspiration. Find her on Facebook and twitter @mrsmica.