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Winston Cooper strode into the Sheriff’s office, waving a newspaper in one hand. A glance at the wall clock confirmed that he was on time. Grand-dad Radnor Cooper came in at six in the morning, took a break for lunch, … Continue reading →

She, Smith thought, had been his fourth companion at dinner, had politely asked a pair of extremely sensible questions of him, directed to understanding the internal politics of the Anglic Union, but had not been very informative when asked questions … Continue reading →

At the final remark, Chalmers felt a great sense of relief. He thought he had put together all the evidence, made sure it was all consistent, and reached his conclusion. But here was a new piece of evidence, which he … Continue reading →

“You are from very far away,” Chiang said, “and doubtless have very different customs than we do, but the answer is that there is a bidding process, in which the ship officer who wishes to be in an especially favorable … Continue reading →

“I’m James Chalmers.  My title today is ‘An Anomalous Mineral from the Arizona Blasted Heath.’  I know it’s traditional to start with conclusions, and then give the data supporting it, but I’d rather have my data considered before I give … Continue reading →

“Yes, battle choreography,” Tuan answered.  “Battle choreography, the step-by-step plan of how our ships move and what damage they take, before we carry out the choreography to give the press some colorful images.  Don’t you barbarians know anything?” Smith contemplated … Continue reading →

“Good thinking,” Smith responded, “when you pass beyond your Master’s, I anticipate competition for your services, unless you’ve already decided on a doctoral advisor.” “I hadn’t thought about that yet,” Chalmers answered. “I still have to make sense of my … Continue reading →

“Signal incoming from the Hiram Maxim,” Martinez said. “It carries the correct IFF codes.”  He put it up on a screen facing the Admiral. “Hello, N237.  I am Squadron Commander Gabriel Smith, Anglic Union Astrographic Service, appearing with my detached … Continue reading →

Several days later, Chalmers had worked through the atomic spectra tables.  His three crystals matched none of the known elements.  He detoured over to physics, the atomic radiation people, and asked if they could tell if his materials were radioactive.  … Continue reading →

Martinez realized that standing close behind him was the Grand Supreme Admiral.  He snapped a salute. “Sir!”  Regulations dictated that he remain at his station, but military courtesy also had a place. “I see that the rest of the duty … Continue reading →