_It's a job that cannot be done in slipshod, haphazard manner. The
system's need for radioactives cannot be overstressed._
_In short, fellow humans, we must allow nothing to stand in the way of
all out, unified effort to do this job quickly and efficiently. My
associates and I have formed a corporation to manage this crash program.
We invite all to participate by purchasing stock. I will not speak of
profits, fellow humans, because in this emergency we all scorn them.
However, as I say, you are invited to participate._
_Some of the preliminary mining concessions are at present in the hands
of individuals or small corporations. It will be necessary that these
turn over their holdings to our single all-embracing organization for
the sake of efficiency. Our experts will evaluate such holdings and
recompense the owners._
Don Mathers paused again for emphasis.
_This is no time for quibbling. All must come in. If there are those who
put private gain before the needs of the system, then pressures must be
found to be exerted against them._
_We will need thousands and tens of thousands of trained workers to
operate our mines, our mills, our refineries. In the past, skilled labor
here on the satellites was used to double or even triple the wage rates
on Earth and the settled planets and satellites. I need only repeat,
this is no time for personal gain and quibbling. The corporation
announces proudly that it will pay only prevailing Earth rates. We will
not insult our employees by "bribing" them to patriotism through higher
wages._
There was more, along the same lines.
It was all taken very well. Indeed, with enthusiasm.
* * * * *
On the third day, at an office conference, Don waited for an opening to
say, "Look, somewhere here on Callisto is a young woman named Dian
Fuller. After we get me established in an office, I'd like her to be my
secretary."
Demming looked up from some reports he was scanning. He grunted to Max
Rostoff, "Tell him," and went back to the papers.
Max Rostoff, settled back into his chair. He said to the two bodyguards,
stationed at the door, "Scotty, Rogers, go and make the arrangements to
bring that damned prospector into line."
When they were gone, Rostoff turned back to Don Mathers. "You don't need
an office, Mathers. All you need is to go back to your bottles. Just
don't belt it so hard that you can't sign papers every time we need a
signature."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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