Monthly Archives: September 2023

“Perhaps, if you limited yourself to replacing your current ships, we could find new alpha cores for you,”  Tzoltzin said, “enough to maintain your current vessels, so you could avoid the vast expense of developing new classes of spaceship.” “That … Continue reading →

Recording finished, the party headed back toward Tzoltzin’s aircar.   Victor Chelan stood in the parking lot, awaiting their return.  He wore the classic men’s garb of the last century, tan trousers, shirt and open tunic, high-collared full-length cream dress cape, … Continue reading →

“As you wish,” Tzoltzin answered.  “Your position agrees with precedent.  It just makes things slow.” “To give you news you may find more positive,” Bell said, “you had asked to speak to Victor Chelan. By the time you are finished … Continue reading →

Bell wished matters had started more smoothly.  “I am Boss of the Yard,” she answered.   “I believe that translates as *Master of the Works*, as close as I can pronounce your language.  With respect to an Honor Guard, this is … Continue reading →

Inspector Tzoltzin The day was warm and humid, even with the morning sun not that far off the horizon.  Two centuries ago, Elaine Bell thought,  that Pacific current offshore would have been a cold current, so Humbold Bay ran twenty … Continue reading →

“Some of you,” Chelan continued, “may not caught the last question, asking about the lawsuit of the space shipping cartel against Bulger Spaceways.”  You did not catch it, he thought, because I asked it myself, sotto voce. “I am advised … Continue reading →

The National Technical College was a fine example of thoughtful last-century architecture. Chelan reminded himself that the style was old, but the buildings were actually quite recent.    Facades were brick. Windows, especially on classrooms, were tall and undoubtedly double-glazed. Sidewalks … Continue reading →

“Oh, goody. That’s absolutely wonderful.” Chelan’s tone revealed a manifest lack of enthusiasm. “Okay, I get to make a statement.”  He paused for a moment.  “When I left home this morning, I anticipated a peacable arrival and taking of office.  … Continue reading →

“It reads like something out of one of those interregnum historical pot-boilers,” Pamela answered. She shook her head. “Apparently the former Chancellor announced today was a holiday, told everyone on the staff to stay home, and when the protesters occupied … Continue reading →

A Peaceful Academic Environment Victor Chelan’s aircar overflew the Federal Technical College and began its final approach to the parking area near Chancellor’s Hall.  Ahead of him, another, larger air car filled with his Seldon Legion bodyguards had already landed, … Continue reading →