Eric Flint's Blog, page 66

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 36

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 36 Chapter 23 Zheng Zhilong’s office, Zheng Family Compound, Anhai, China Jim Saluzzo cleared his throat. “Admiral, one of the issues that we’ve debated a lot is how to persuade your countrymen, particular those … Continue reading →

Council Of Fire – Snippet 12

Council Of Fire – Snippet 12 Chapter 8 This might be a matter of our own survival Halifax If there was any doubt regarding the changed circumstances of the expedition, it was resolved two days later when HMS Magnanime, a … Continue reading →

Council Of Fire – Snippet 11

Council Of Fire – Snippet 11 Part II: Awakening April, 1759 The change came not like a wave but like a creeping fog: it took time for men of all kinds to realize what had happened, and why their world … Continue reading →

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 35

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 35 “Prepare for hot inflation,” Mike warned the ground crew, and waited for them to nod acknowledgment. Several of them came over and stood on either side of the basket, ready to hold it … Continue reading →

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 34

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 34 Chapter 22 Island of Jinmen (Quemoy), in Liaoluo Bay, near Xianmen (Amoy) “Set it down over here, please,” Jim Saluzzo ordered. The sailors carried the crate over to the designated place. “Here, sir?” … Continue reading →

Council Of Fire – Snippet 10

Council Of Fire – Snippet 10 Chapter 6 An enjoyable way to start the day Fort Johnson, Colony of New York As she now often did after realizing she was pregnant, Molly Brant rose earlier than usual and spent some … Continue reading →

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 33

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 33 Von Siegroth pointed to the pendulum hanging from the foremast. “The ship’s officers can use that to judge the roll, and instruct the gun captains accordingly. We’ve also equipped each gun carriage with … Continue reading →

Council Of Fire – Snippet 09

Council Of Fire – Snippet 09 Chapter 5 This is the end of the world Aboard HMS Namur The coast was more visible in the morning, with the seas calm and the wind scarcely blowing–the best sort of weather for … Continue reading →

Council Of Fire – Snippet 08

Council Of Fire – Snippet 08 O’Brien did not seem the least discomfited by sleeping on the deck, under the overhanging shelter aft of the pilothouse. No complaints reached the admiral’s ears; but while he was making his rounds of … Continue reading →

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 32

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 32 Chapter 21 On board the Rode Draak Liu Xiang’s Eagle’s Claw was sailed into position by a skeleton crew. Once they got there, they quickly reduced sail. That was an easy task on … Continue reading →