Category: Higgins World

Arrival in Southmost, a plea for help, work to do…     “Keep that white flag waving. We want them to know we aren’t coming to raid,” Blackie let the ship drift toward the dock where a group of archers were gathered with crossbows aimed at the ship. He leaned on one of the children who…

Hard time in Port…      The last storm had done more damage than they had realized. Spacer and the people who had learned from parents or mentors worked for days to get as much equipment as possible working. The drinking water plant was not yet working so they were back to distilling water with the…

Revenge, death, and changes…     The ruling that Port newbies became crew members when they signed contracts had an impact faster than anyone expected. “We’re going to need more hats and capes for Henry’s crews if Doc is right, and I’m pretty sure she is,” Spacer said. “He is not going to be happy about…

Port discovers a truth….     Sarita thought Mandy might be over her anger by morning, but she was cold and had little to say as they helped families who sheltered in the main house. The two women kept the children busy so the parents could collect nut tree fronds and cut the tree grass to…

Refugio, an inconvenient death, a plan disrupted…     Francos and Megal were discussing how trade agreements with Utopia could help guide the negotiations with Port. Megal pointed out that many of the goods that came from Utopia may have originated in Port.     “I doubt that,” Francos said. “Port does their shipping and raids their…

Utopia Colony, Farm 22, learning the truth…     “If everyone will find a seat, we can start.” Simon knew he had to explain about Sarita. The rumors and gossip were full of bad information. Most of his people believed that this meeting was about the move they would be making.     “I have much to…

Utopia, a hearing, trouble afoot…     Simon arrived in the city late in the evening and checked into the central hostel as usual. He found many messages waiting for him. Inspector Rhody asked him to contact her as soon as he got in and several friends from previous visits left similar messages. He was surprised…

A welcome, decisions, changes…     “Blackie is back!” As the ship eased into the pier, Spacer and Boats went to the end of the dock to welcome them.     “Hey, Julie sailed in yesterday. She said they sailed around the planet and there is more land off to the east from us.”     Blackie stood…

An unexpected offer to Port and a break with custom…     Mandy was serving as runner when the far speaker let her know Spacer had an important message from Blackie and it was important.     “Don’t let anyone else see that message except Spacer, Mandy.”  Mandy was surprised because usually, the message of a returning…

Sailors captured, an offer made…     “Any word from the shore?” Blackie called to the watcher on the deck. “Gunson will answer for this if we don’t get the price we set.”     “I see some folk walking down the hill toward the wharf, Blackie. Better get up here. Some of them are armed.” Blackie…