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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 →

* * * * * Later in the afternoon, Travis appeared at the Sheriff’s office. “Winston,” Travis said, “I did the calculations, and Elaine checked them. She’s smarter than me, and more careful.  I also brought a map.  We need … 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 →

“You’re sketching something through that telescope,” she answered.  “Looks like no airplane I’ve ever seen.” “Yes, and it’s a poor sketch,” Winston confessed. “May I?”  She put on a  warm smile.  “My job is hurry up and wait, so during … Continue reading →

“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?” “We so attest.  We hope it is the true first drive,” … Continue reading →

“Of course, Dad,” Travis said.  Twenty minutes later, Winston and Travis stood at the edge of town. Further out were several corrals with a few horses. The blue star was clearly in sight. “Calm day,” Travis said.  “Cool for once, … Continue reading →