Author Archives: George Phillies

“If he’s a diplomat,” Sykes said, “ he is forbidden to possess eavesdropping devices, remote digital communications probes…that’s in our treaty with the Stellites.” “Good point,” Tara said.  “Assuming he is a diplomat.  Of course if he’s not, Bulger is … Continue reading →

The Spy Who Was Caught Cold The communicator on Tara Broadhurt’s desk gave the quadruple chime indicating an incoming call of the highest urgency.  Bulger Space Yard’s Senior Legal Officer glowered at the telephone, noticed that it was stubbornly refusing … Continue reading →

“Indeed,” Elaine said, “we delayed the flight of the Mighty Hauler 2 in case you had any final questions about its patent issues.” “Caution is always wise.”  Tzoltzin nodded.  “However, my final inspection, last visit, is legally binding, so your … Continue reading →

“I hope we have have brought you happy memories,” Elaine said. “Indeed, you have.  Time for my instruments to run my tests,” Tzoltzin nodded appreciatively.  “You are attesting that this is the root drive on the alpha drive patent tree?” … Continue reading →

“Apologies,” Elaine said.  “And if in the future one of your inspections would coincide with severe weather, we will see if we can adjust to your schedule.” “That is most kind,” Tzoltzin said, “but I shall not quail before the … Continue reading →

“We ran up the temperature inside the building,” Elaine said, “and have the stack of heated drying cloths that I gather are the Creztailian custom.  There is also hot tea.” “Heated cloths are indeed the custom,” Junichiro said, “and he … Continue reading →

“Agreed,” Broadbent said.  “I’m always happy to talk with you on issues of mutual interest.  That’s one of the reasons I am here, after all.” “Thank you for taking my call,” Bronkowski answered.  “It is always very pleasant to talk … Continue reading →

“Said again,” Bronkowski said, “without registration with us, you can’t design a spaceship, you can’t equip it, and it can’t go anywhere.” “That is an interesting set of rationales,”  Broadbent said.  “From your analysis, it follows that we probably are … Continue reading →

“I welcome you to the club of people who think we have started designing our own starships,” Broadbent said.  “It is already an extremely large and unselective club, of which I am a non-member.” “You are denying it?  Would you … Continue reading →

“I seem to recall that there are certain fees involved,” Broadbent said, “large fees, payable in Stellar Republic currency, a commodity in very short supply within the Anglic Union given your new trade regulations.” Let us see where he goes … Continue reading →