This story is set within the shared future history of The Founder Effect, edited by Robert E. Hampson and Sandra L. Medlock. The anthology contains stories by David Weber, Larry Correia and more! Robert E.Hampson is a scientist, teacher and author who uses his Ph.D. to study memory and diseases of the brain. He turns real science into hard-science and military SF and likewise incorporates for SF influences on science into his teaching. He is also a popular convention panelist who makes science—and science fiction—interesting and accessible to the public. Find out more at his web site here.
"Izzy, do you have a minute?" Jan knew that Isaac hated the nickname; that was one reason he used it. However, this might not be one of those times. The senior data tech from Logistics and Supply had a serious look on his face as he floated in the doorway of the Sensors and Tracking office.
"Not really, but you look like I need to, Janny." Isaac used Jan's least favorite nickname in response, but again, there was no rancor . . . just a slight irritation.
"Well, it's the trajectory data from Ceres Station. There's a serious downtick in arrivals and departures." Jan held up a databord to emphasize his point. Isaac could see nothing but columns of numbers on the 'bord's display screen.
"That's Traffic Deconfliction stuff, Jan. What does it have to do with Logistics?"
"It's an odd pattern, Isaac." The very fact that Jan wasn't calling him by a nickname was a tell-tale that he was worried.
"Well, it's a pattern. Something strange."
"Show me."
Read More