The Lost Prince Read Online Free PDF Page B

suspect we’ve found a deposit. But they’re not sure. However, those weapons being put on your vehicle are expensive. Our vehicles appear to just be getting routine maintenance but you are a dead giveaway to finding a deposit.”
    “I’m sorry about that. I didn’t think it through.”
    “It might not be all bad. The weapons you’re having installed will prevent most of them from taking you on. However, there are teams that may decide to take the risk.”
    Ian said, “So what do I do?”
    Porky said, “Stand up and tell us how good it was to meet us and go get a room. We’ll point at you after you leave and laugh. We’ll all leave one at a time tomorrow and meet you a hundred and thirty miles out of the outpost at the depression we went through coming here. Do you remember how to get there?”
    “I do.”
    “Leave tomorrow afternoon and head that way. If any team follows you, they will have to be eliminated for their inappropriate behavior.”
    Ian nodded and stood. He reached forward and offered his hand and only Jefie took it. Ribbons and Porky just waved a hand at him. He managed to look disappointed and left the restaurant. The three put their heads together and Ribbons nodded at the door he exited. They laughed and went back to their serious expressions.
    A miner approached their table and said, “Who’s the newbie?”
    “Some lucky son of a rock toad that had beginner’s luck.” Ribbons looked at the miner and said, “How’s your luck been?” The miner shrugged and shook his head. Ribbons sighed, “Maybe everything has played out here. We’re thinking about heading over toward Aladdin’s Castle. Have you heard anything from there?”
    “I’ve heard rumblings that some are getting lucky.”
    Jefie said, “We should do it, Ribbs.”
    “Do you have enough credit to purchase the fuel to get there?” Jefie stared at Ribbs and slowly shook his head. “Me either.”
    The miner patted Jefie on the shoulder, “Hang in there. One of us is bound to get lucky eventually.”
    Jefie took a swallow of water and said, “We can only pray.”
    The miner walked away and Porky said, “He’s talking with the other four at his table. They’re trying to look depressed but they’re planning something.”
    Ribbons said, “We could just stay out of this and go back to the platinum.”
    Porky leaned back in her chair and said, “Thirty deposits, he said. We’ve only cleared one and a half.”
    Ribbons looked at Jefie and then turned to Porky, “Porky, has Nosey turned your head?”
    “Of course he has. Did you take a look at him?”
    Ribbons smiled, “Just checking.” Ribbons knew that just turning Porky’s head wouldn’t be enough to make her risk her vehicle. Thirty deposits would.
    The five miners stared at Porky and would have introduced themselves properly, but none of them were willing to attack her as long as Jefie was around. They knew the danger he represented and without weapons, they weren’t stupid enough to try it. They were dangerous but no one would take on the giant from Juniper. Four of them left at noon the next day and waited six miles from the outpost. The fifth waited for the newbie to leave and followed him out.
    • • •
    Ian left the restaurant and checked in. He ordered a meal and ate it in the room. He linked with E and said, “We may have a problem tomorrow.”
    “I heard what your group said. The five miners are planning to ambush you when you start mining.”
    “Did you check out their weapons?”
    “I did. They could pose a problem if we didn’t have my force field. However, we do have it, so I’m not really worried.”
    Ian heard a knock on his door and he went and opened it to find Porky standing there. “I can’t afford a room and thought I’d bunk with you.”
    Ian saw the small smile and opened the door wider. She walked in and Ian closed the door. “I’ll talk with you in the morning E.”
    “Good night.” And it was.
    • • •
    The next afternoon