To The Stars

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“It’s a monstrosity, a bastard combination of antique piping, worn valves — and modern electronic technology. The whole thing should be blown up and built over from scratch.”

“Not that bad, your honor, I think, not really that bad.” Radcliffe rubbed his reddened nose with the back of his hand, looked up guiltily when he saw it streaked and wet. The tall engineer beside him had not noticed; Radcliffe wiped it surreptitiously on his trouser leg. “It works, we produce a fine spirit…”

“It works — but just barely.” Jan Kulozik was tired and there was a sharp edge to his voice. “All of the packing glands should be replaced at once or it will blow itself up without any help from me. Look at those leaks, puddles of the stuff.”

“I’ll have it cleaned up at once, your honor.”

“That’s not what I mean. Stop the leaks in the first place. Do something constructive, man. That’s an order.”

“As you say, so shall it be done.”

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