Damia's Children Read Online Free PDF Page A

explosion.
    Within minutes of receiving the message, Segrazlin, Master Miner and head of the various mining organizations on Aurigae, requested an urgent meeting with the Prime to discuss transportation requirements. His manner was a combination of gratification for the quantities ordered and astonishment and concern for the delivery dates expected, trepidation over how to approach the Prime on the matter of the tonnage to be shifted, all mingled with intense curiosity as to the finished form of such massive quantities of metal.
    Damia grinned at his promptness and told himhe could come along right then, as the morning’s traffic had been despatched.
    Segrazlin arrived with his personal assistant and the owners of the major mines to be involved.
    â€œAll very well to want this kind of delivery, Prime,” Segrazlin said, nervously folding and unfolding the message sheet, “but one, we don’t have enough miners, even working flat out, to supply the ores within the delivery frame and two, there aren’t enough small and medium carriers to deliver half of what’s required. Now, we don’t want to lose such a contract, but first off, we’ll need more miners.” He was hedging around asking her to transport the big daddy drone containers. “And my principals,” at which point the five owners nodded their heads, “want to be sure that the metal’s being properly used.”
    â€œAh,” Afra said, broadcasting reassurance, “I asked Earth Prime that myself. Some new Constellation class vessel has been designed, long journey capability, and enough for a squadron has been authorized. Replacing some of the older space vessels. And not before time, I understand. FT&T may cut down on the normal wear and tear of space vehicles, but the problem of metal fatigue is still vexing.”
    Damia sent a mental smirk to her husband for that smooth explanation.
    â€œThere is also the happy fact that the Tower is now in a position to transport bigger drones,” Damia went on, “a good training exercise for our oldest children. Having standardized the size and shapes of most containers, any Prime, given the mass within, can shift it anywhere within the Alliance. It’s new and unfamiliar objects that causeproblems, because they have to be seen and preferably touched by a Prime before ’portation can be guaranteed. However, we can shift most anything you need to send because your drones are standard. As you know, both Laria and Thian are T-1’s . . .”
    â€œBut are they old enough?” Segrazlin asked, his eyes protruding in surprise. Having expected resistance, he’d lost his prepared stance.
    â€œThey are old enough and will be under our guidance, but their assistance will make it possible to lift such weight. Linkage is good training for their future duties.” Damia inclined her head graciously.
    â€œThat still leaves us with the worst problem, Prime,” one of the mine owners said, clearing his throat, and glancing at his colleagues for reassurance. They nodded their heads and murmured agreement. “Enough workers.”
    â€œI thought your work force was up to strength, Yugin,” Damia said, frowning in well-practiced surprise.
    Yugin snorted. “For normal production, yes, but the last quota of immigrants haven’t been trained for deep seam work and that’s what we’d need. Also more qualified, and experienced, engineers. We’ll have to open more shafts . . .” He trailed off.
    â€œWe can’t supply those prodigious quantities,” Mexalgo said, “from existing facilities.”
    â€œWould you accept more ’Dinis?” Afra asked.
    Mexalgo looked dubious but the others brightened considerably.
    â€œMex, you treat ’em right, they do you proud,”Yugin said. “My ’Dinis work like they grew up digging ore.”
    â€œWorkers aren’t the main problem,