Adventures in Doing it Wrong: "Debtors' Prison Dilemma" (Part 1)
19 Sep 2020August Davenport
The audio pops and hisses into my ears ears as the communications link relays across hundreds of lightyears between myself and my intended recipient."This is Zagar's Dream. How do you read, over?" I ask.
"This is Long Sight Base. We have you four by three, Zagar's Dream." Comes an automated reply.
"Requesting patch to Long Sight Actual, over."
"Req -hiss- edged. Hold."
I wait a few moment, until I hear a familiar voice. "Long Sight Actual here. How are you, August? You still out in galactic center?"
Had it Been that long since we talked? "Could be worse. Just wrapped up helping the rescue efforts at Mackensie."
"I heard about that. Glad to - you made it through okay. How'd the tour go? Not many take a Dolphin outside the Bubble."
"Well, actually. They were some retired explorers, happy to show me the ropes. Evidently, one talked to a colleague and got me a slot with the Astronomical Union. Made enough discoveries to get a promotion early in."
"Well, good for you!" Elvira cheers. "Weren't you about to start a chartered tour or something though?"
"Yeah....," I sigh. "That's been on the sideline for a moment. Still gonna get to it. I'll tell you more later. Right now, I got a favor to ask."
"What's that?"
"Do you know a Professor Palin?"
"Not off hand, why do you ask?"
"Eh, do you know who might?"
"I'd have to think about it. Swing by and I'll have a list for you."
"Wilco. I'll plot a course now."
"Fly safe, August. Long Sight Actual signing off."