chapter two

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and, following a short service of thanksgiving and thinking on our lot and the Lord and all his good works and our place therein, there shall be a meeting of true seekers and the prayerful with them as are closer yet to His mystery and are able to rend the veil and grant us all a sight of his blessed and joyful words of comfort from those that have crossed over. All refreshments to be paid for. A generous donation to our kind visitors is not only appreciated but expected - empty collection plate aint nuthin but a rudeness.

Pastor Nehru - Town Announcement Regis Colony Vol Xxii 43, year of the Plough.

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Regis colony sat sullenly in its valley and endured the inclement weather with a weary frown of outhouses, chimneystacks, corrugated boardings and the clankings and groanings typical of any mining town. Huddled at the base of three hard mountains – the colony exuded a stubbornness – a hunkered stubbornness that meant the difference between survival and extinction. It clung to the muddy earth and the smut laden air and the iron rocky mountain bases with the same determination that had brought people here in the first – and made them grind away days, weeks, years and lives in the unforgiving mines. It was a community that smiled little – but it complained even less.

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“Let’s just try not griping for once is all I’m saying” Captain Reynolds was addressing his crew as they stood ready by the loading bay doors, on hand was poised to hit the big red opening button.

“I mean,” He continued, “you’ve seen one rim-world you’ve seen them all – we’re veterans – leastways – no actually that’s pretty much all of us now aint it… cepting maybe the Preacher.”

Solomon Face snorted.

“Don’t let my moisturising fool ya.”

Mal paused for a second before carrying on. “Ok – well, ignoring that horrorsome image, all I’m saying is we know what we’re expecting to see.” He hit the switch and the heavy bay door screeched open.

This lead to the inevit