Birthright

eighty-three percent of the mining worlds that have been offered membership have accepted.

“Now, with that in mind, let's take a brief look at the mining industry as it now exists. The Republic controls almost thirty-five hundred worlds; almost a quarter of them are devoted exclusively to mining. The Republic boasts some thirty-seven billion citizens; less than two million are miners. So what we basically have here is a situation in which less than one ten-thousandth of one percent of the Republic's population is controlling well over twenty percent of its territory. “And economically, the disparity is even greater. The Republic is powered almost exclusively by atomics; all but a fraction of their fissionable material comes from three hundred and seven mining worlds, of which Gamma Leporis IX is one. The Republic still backs its money with gold and silver; every last bit of it comes from one hundred and two mining worlds, including Gamma Leporis IX. The Republic needs metals for its ships and armaments; all of it, without exception, comes from the mining worlds, including Gamma Leporis IX.”

“So they need us,” broke in a bored voice from directly in front of him. “That's why they pay us so well.” “Ah, but do they?” said Coleman. “You, sir, since you seem willing to speak up: Would you consent to tell me how much your yearly salary is?” “Why not?” said the man belligerently. “Seventy-five thousand credits.” “And your job?”

“I mine gold and silver.”

“How much?” asked Coleman.

“Lots.”

“More than a ton a year?”

“A ton a week'd be more like it,” said the miner with a touch of pride. “Do you know the going price on gold these days?” continued Coleman. “Can't say that I do. Lots, I suppose.” “You suppose right, friend,” said Coleman. “Fifty-three credits an ounce. The Republic pays your salary with what you mine in a day, and has money left over. “And that's not the only way they're taking advantage of you,” Coleman continued, speaking once more to the entire audience. “I learned in my briefing that there were originally a thousand miners on this world when operations began ten years ago. What happened to the other five hundred and seventy-eight?” “The nelsons got ‘em,” said the man who had spoken before. “And what, pray, are the nelsons?” asked Coleman. “If you ever see one, you'll know what they are!” said the man devoutly, amid much laughter. “They were discovered about forty years ago by a guy named Nelson, the Pioneer who opened up this system.