Monthly Archives: May 2025

&&&&& The sky was a bright blue over the University of California, Berkeley, Chemistry Building.  A fresh breeze blew through the Golden Gate and over the campus.  An unusual summer shower had freshened the lawns and put down the dust.  … Continue reading →

“I am indeed, Professor Daystar,” Trewlin answered. “I am here to review your request  for copies of certain obscure library files. Our guests are here, as per library rules, because they have additional, related questions.” “I see,” she said as … Continue reading →

Bye and bye a State Police car arrived with passenger. “Major Grigsby, Sir,” Cornelius said, “good to see you again.” “And you also,” Charles Grigsby said.  “It’s still early, the air is cool, so I can look forward to the … Continue reading →

“Yes?” Tara asked. “Espionage?” “Once upon a time,” Sykes answered, “ there was an English dish known as Fish and Chips.  By custom, it was served wrapped in old newspaper.  As modernization advanced, this custom was abandoned.  However, before then, … Continue reading →

“What?” He looked up, saw her, and tipped his hat. “Good evening, ma’am.  I am Professor Bartholemew Martin, the astronomer.  We read about this airship, whatever it is, so I came down with a respectable telescope to photograph it. Mind … Continue reading →

Tara smiled. “Our security has detained a young man claiming to be one Pierre Descamps.  He claims to be a member of your embassy staff, but is carrying no identification. Also, he appears to have been carrying a substantial amount … Continue reading →

Reporters, Winston found, pretended to be suspicious souls.  They believed nothing that he said.  They were as bad as the examiners at his Doctoral defense.  How did he know the airship had anything to do with the Blasted Heath?  He  … Continue reading →

Tara turned to Descamps.  “You’re a diplomat?” “Absolutely.  And I demand that my personal possessions be returned!”  Descamps did not quite raise his voice. “If he’s a diplomat,” Sykes said, “ he is forbidden to possess eavesdropping devices, remote digital … Continue reading →

“And you’re  Spencer’s older son, aren’t you?” Radnor asked. “Yes, Sir,” Travis answered. “I’m Travis.  We did the surveying.  That funny star is one end of a flying machine.  We could see it through my theodolite.  Winston got a good … Continue reading →

Of course, we do have the ability to build starships, Chelan answered.  The detail simply has been overlooked. We do Where? Beta drives historically optimized for efficiency not FTL speed.  They are still not that efficient. Why bother when you … Continue reading →