Perfect Control

"Perfect Control" by Richard Stockham is a science fiction story set when space travel is common, focusing on adjusting to new environments and the mental effects of being alone for a long time in space. Colonel Halter tries to convince the space crew of the Alpha to come back to Earth after they have been traveling in space for almost 75 years. The story builds as Colonel Halter talks to the aging crew of the Alpha, who have gotten used to living in space and do not want to leave their lives there. Through difficult conversations, Halter discovers their mental changes and their fears about living on Earth, which are caused by old memories of fighting and violence. Although each crew member does not want to return at first, they eventually show their human side and how they have helped with science and art, which are meaningful to society. The most exciting part shows the captain struggling with control over his crew and what will happen to the ship. The crew then starts wanting purpose and connection, leading them to rejoin society, which shows how important community and being involved in the world are.