Recon Marines II: Marine's Heiress, The by Susan Kelley

Author:Susan Kelley
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: sci fi, intergalactic adventure, genetic engineering, space opera, fiction, romance, science fiction, sensual, marines, futuristic
Publisher: New Concepts Publishing

Chapter Twelve

“Iridium?” Emma asked at the same time as Moe and Vannie. “It’s more valuable than silver?”

“Silver is integral to the working of most communications from planet wide units to interplanetary waves.” Vin tapped the AI unit. “There’s silver in here and in the guidance systems of all flying crafts. Silver is valuable, but iridium is rarer and just as crucial for space travel. Iridium is one of the densest metals ever discovered. On old Earth, it was believed that any iridium found there came from the impact of comets or meteors. It takes special equipment to mine it and shape it into something useful. But once constructed, things made of iridium can withstand high temperatures and pressure. Almost nothing will corrode it so things made of it last a long time. The thermo-generators powering most space stations have parts made of iridium. In all the exploration done in the known universe, there’s still no known source of this rare element except deposits like this one. Probably a meteor or a piece of a comet impacted here thousands of years ago and is slowly sinking toward the center of the planet. Iridium is very heavy.”

Vannie pulled up a chair and sat beside Vin. “Is the entire deposit within the town walls?”

Vin tapped the screen, designing the outline of the town and matching its coordinates with the mineral deposits. “Looks like the iridium is nearly even with the north and south gates but extends a couple of hundred feet beyond the east and west walls. How does one come to own portions of an outlying world like this one?”

Emma leaned against Vin’s arm. “I sent in the proper forms when I settled here. Then I sold each resident their own plot. I hold the deeds for all the land between here and the property line of Hadrason’s mining town.”

“She sold each one for less than an ounce of silver,” Moe muttered.

“That’s all many of them could afford and still feed their families.” Emma would have gladly given them the plots for free but an exchange of coin made it official with the Intergalactic Ministry. One owned land on unclaimed planets only by filing with the proper government office. “It does make sense. The only way to lose your land is to desert it. If the Underboss frightens us off they can take the land.”

“The bastard might even be planning to take it without the knowledge of his superiors,” Vannie said. “He would be rich beyond what one man could use in a lifetime.”

“He still needs to get rid of us,” Emma said.

“This man has already resorted to lethal force.” Vin navigated through the screen to another file. “Maybe we can find what they’re planning next.”

“Will they know you’re snooping on them?” Moe asked.

“No. Their basic programs are older than the one I’m using. I can find anything.” Vin smiled. “Here’s a recent order for some new elevator equipment. Some of theirs needs replaced.”

Emma wondered about the satisfied smile on Vin’s face. “It’s late.

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