A focused, management trainee in integrated ironmaking, Belak is torn away from his ancestral city to lead a venture intended to ensure the survival of his culture. Kay, a family friend, shocks him into a betrothal once she discovers that he will be gone for years. Belak, juggling new responsibilities, stumbles relating to his maturing sister, Louise, and to Kay. Hydropower is the primary energy source, but steam power has been discovered, accessible in the target cit...

I wonder how the caravan is supplied to weather this delay; from what I have heard, Lou is the one to ask. I don’t see her yet; oh, there she is coming out of the trail carrying a bundle over to Orvil for stacking. By the time I reach her, she is lying on the grass recovering her breath after the climb, so I sit down beside her. “Hello, Lou, our unofficial quartermaster.” “I suppose that is an appropriate title for getting this caravan supplied. What does mist...