"Most of this outfit were caught in the crash. Their incomes did not permit them to buy duplicators, and their friends were too busy running up their money to bother handing any out."
"Fine friends."
"And in the smaller cities, the attendants at the power stations left. There are a horde of dead towns on Mars today. That is why we have come here. We know that Fabriville is self-sufficient. We intend to join you."
"Sorry," said Keg. "We have no openings."
"We'll join you by force, if need be."
"Want to try it?" asked Keg, patting the twin 105-mm. short rifles that looked out over the mob.
No answer for a moment.
"I'll try appealing to your better nature," said Norton softly. "Shall we starve and shiver while Fabriville eats and is warm?"
"How willing are you to take part?" asked Keg.
"Name it."