Monthly Archives: December 2024

“Except for one minor detail. Thanks to the Stellar Republic trade embargo, our competitors can’t buy high-tech parts such as drive spines from the Republic. They have to buy them from inside the Anglic Union. We’re approximately the only people … Continue reading →

Winston shook his head.  He hadn’t ridden through here more than twice or thrice, and didn’t remember the landscape, but his companions were certain.  Something was wrong. “The rails up ahead.  Before they just stop.  They look wide,” Winston said.  … Continue reading →

“First, thank you all for assembling,” Victor said. “I realize that bringing us all together required some time, but as the Audit Committee hopefully explained there was a need for review, but the situation was not an emergency.  As you … Continue reading →

Two deputies guarding the tower waved good-by as the locomotive eased forward.  Two linemen kept them company.  Told there were dead men in the tower, they announced that the bodies would need someone in attendance, so they would wait in … Continue reading →

“That’s why I want her.  So long as the anadvocates understand that they are advisors, and that their criticisms will be heard, that should not be an issue,” Victor answered.  “Oh, I hypothesize that there is a reasonable salary, which … Continue reading →

“Yes, sir,” Gordon said unenthusiastically.  He hung up the phone.  “Not right to leave two men, even men I hardly knew except as ‘waved out the window’, their bodies unattended.” “I’ll leave two deputies here,” Winston said, “order them not … Continue reading →

“There is a very old phrase,” Victor said, “the circular firing squad. I would have to review the list of signers, to see if there is anyone we would want to keep.  Do I recall that that letter, sent to … Continue reading →

“No dial.  This tower has telephone.  Phone connects straight to the Railmaster’s office, and no place else.  Just pick it up and turn the crank,” Gordon explained. Winston did as he was told and waited. “Murphy here!” the voice at … Continue reading →

“On the last of these, I can be of some help,” Victor said, “namely I have a number of friends who passed through mostly American research universities before the Interregnum, were lucky enough to be able to afford the immortality … Continue reading →

“Might be rattlesnakes,” Steve Smith added.  “Think about where the ricochet might go.” “Will do.” Winston stepped down to the platform.   The breeze was definitely warmer than it had been in Prescott.  The steam locomotive was behind him.  Ahead, all … Continue reading →