Three red and white smokestacks,towering above their surrounding buildings,were the landmark of this town.At their feet stood the second largest power plant of the Ura Union,one of the only two superpowers in the world.
There were several long and acclivous constructions between some of the buildings,which were used to carry coal from the vessels waiting in the harbor into the plant.
"How about connecting these two wires directly instead of using the thermal relay?"A short man inside one of those constructions said in a pretty loud voice so that the man beside him could hear.
"To be honest,I don't think it is a good idea.That way,the entire control circuit could burn up in seconds."The other man,whose face was covered with powdered coal,rejected the advice,shaking his head.
"Fair enough,so what to do?"The former one asked.
"Let's see,perhaps we can try this..."After a brief explanation,the repair continued.
Some twenty minutes later,the big blueish electric motor rumbled as it started up,enabling the Number 6 conveyor belt to operate again.
"Well done,Erich!Thanks to you,my annual bonus is safe!"An old and skinny worker came up as soon as they stepped out of the conveyor belt room.This old folk patted Erich on the back,with a broad grin on his wrinkled face.
"He never lets nobody down when it comes to fixing machines."A middle-aged female worker admired his skill.
Erich Cortaler,who was well versed in electrical and mechanical maintenance,responded them with a mere smile.He had been working in this power plant for more than a decade since he was a teenager.
"Splendid!Splendid,indeed."The crowd surrounding Erich swiftly separated with the arrival of an unexpected visitor,who was clapping noisily.Apparently,the color of his helmet was not the same as those of others——it was red rather than blue,which meant that he was in the management.
"There is something wrong with the Number 3 oxidation blower and it seems that Gustav's group can't figure out the problem.Well,can I count on you,Mr.Never Let Me Down?"This Uralian
manager spoke in a mocking tone.
Erich nodded his head in silence,then left with two co-workers.
Everyone present could tell that the manager couldn't have been less fond of Erich.However,none of them would stand up for him because they were afraid of losing their own bread and butter,or in the worst case scenario,their very lives.
Things used to be different before they lost that war 3 years ago.