Of course, each unit will have to be tested
by the experts, so I would estimate that all 85 can be operational
within ten days-unless we run into any problems."
"Good work, Mr. Stubb. I will check on progress every day."
"Very well, sir." The man went back to work and Zimbardo returned to
the main complex.
Ceres was the hub of the Asteroid Belt. Nearly 600 miles across, it was
the largest body in the ring of planetary debris that swirled and
turned in a large swath between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was
the place where professional miners first arrived from Earth before
their companies farmed them out to the mining centers on various
asteroids. Independent asteroid miners came to Ceres once in a while
for supplies, and corporations picked up equipment imported daily from
Mars. Ceres, located several days' travel from the nearest sizable
population center, was a buzz of activity.
The Star Ranger approached the large asteroid after a fast but
uneventful journey of six days.
"Quite a cloud of starships!" remarked Joe as Yellow City came into
view. A swarm of at least forty ships of an amazing variety of sizes,
shapes, and vintages was moving over the port. Some were hovering,
others were heading in toward the landing field and a few others were
departing.
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