Ever think how deadly a thing it is if a machine has amnesia—or how easily it can be arranged....
en, my partner, Michael Blades, Mike, may I present--"
Blades' attention stopped at Lieutenant Ziska. He heard vaguely that she was the head quartermaster officer. But mainly she was tall and blond and blue-eyed, with a bewitching dimple when she smiled, and filled her gown the way a Cellini Venus doubtless filled its casting mold.
"Very pleased to meet you, Mr. Blades," she said as if she meant it. Maybe she did! He gulped for air.
"And Commander Leibknecht," Chung said across several light-years. "Commander Leibknecht. Commander Leibknecht."
"Oh. Sure. 'Scuse." Blades dropped Lieutenant Ziska's hand in reluctant haste. "Hardjado, C'mander Leibfraumilch."
Somehow the introductions were gotten through. "I'm sorry we have to be so inhospitable," Chung said, "but you'll see how crowded we are. About all we can do is show you around, if you're interested."
"Of course you're interested," said Blades to Lieutenant Ziska. "I'll show you some gimmicks I thought up m
A good adventure story about the first \"armed\" resistance of the asteroid miners against an arrogant Earth. The background scientific speculation is great, especially in the details. The characters usually only have one identifying characteristic (two-fisted, weaselly, sexy, frustrated, etc.) but it\'s hard to expect a lot of character development in a pulp action story.
Very well done.
Poul Anderson is one of the best SF authors, one who always knows his tech background. This novelette shows his skills in constructing an asteroid belt station with all the details. Of course, the story is standard pulp but who cares.
