1632: Essen Steel Read Online Free

chair. "What kind of job?"
    Nat explained some of the details of the previous night's Executive Committee meeting, especially the need for steam engines to provide power for the electrical system.
    "Last night Joe told me that you were working on a paper for a symposium about pre-Bessemer steel. The machine shops are going to need some direction so we don't squander our material. We also need to get a better handle on what kinds of resources might be locally available. Think you can come up with something to help us?"
    Josh thought a moment. "Sure, Nat. How much time do I have?"
    "I don't know," Nat said. "How about a week? Is that enough time?"
    "No problem. I'll check with Lou and other people. Maybe Bart Kubiak. I've got a couple of books that came in just before the Ring of Fire. So figure a meeting next Thursday? And who's my audience?"
    "Sounds good, Sparks. Your audience will be mainly the machinists and the owners of the machine shops, but Greg Ferrara and Bill Porter will probably be there, too. Listen, I'm on a coffee break and the meeting is starting up again. Call me if you need any help."
    Over the next hours Josh worked through what he had, and needed. He called Lou and others to arrange a Saturday morning meeting. At noon Josh walked the two blocks to St. Vincent De Paul's and met Father Mazzare outside the parish hall.
    When they walked into the parish hall a woman with honey-colored hair was sitting with a boy of about ten. The boy had jet black hair similar to Josh's, but his facial features resembled the woman's and they were clearly related.
    The woman looked up from the book she was reading and their eyes met.
    She's very attractive. Josh was surprised by the thought.
    The woman rose as they came near and extended her hand. "Hello. My name is Colette Dubois."
    Josh shook hands with her. "A pleasure to meet you, mademoiselle. My name is Josh Modi. Or is it Madame?"
    "No, monsieur. It is mademoiselle." Colette turned to the boy. "And this is my brother, Colas. He is twelve."
    Josh extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Colas."
    "Thank you, monsieur." Colas smiled shyly. "Colette has said that we will be staying at your house?"
    "Actually, my grandfather's house. But yes, you will be staying in a one bedroom studio with your sister and your uncle … Henri, is it?" Josh looked at Colette. "He will be staying in my bedroom while I sleep on the couch. Father Mazzare said that he would be out of the hospital this afternoon some time?"
    Colette shook her head. "Yes, but understand that Henri is not really a blood relative. He was my father's best friend and married my father's sister, but she died many years ago. We have always considered him to be an uncle."
    At that moment a woman Josh recognized as one of the Parish council members appeared at the door of the hall and motioned at Father Mazzare. "Phone call, Father. I think it's important."
    "You okay here, Josh?" Father Mazzare looked a bit harried.
    "No problem, Father. We'll be fine." Josh turned to Colette as Father Mazzare strode away. "Do you have all of your belongings?"
    Both Colette and Colas were dressed in typical twentieth-century clothing except for their boots; blue jeans and long-sleeved shirts.
    "Yes. Father Mazzare was kind enough to provide us with clothing while ours were washed and the vermin removed." Colette smiled. "Very nice. I think I am in love with … what do you call them … washers and dryers?"
    Josh laughed. "Yes, washers and dryers. Have you seen a dishwasher yet?"
    Colette nodded. "Oh, yes. Those are wonderful, too. But the shower was even better. It is the first time I have felt clean in many months."
    Colette and Colas had picked up the paper bags with their possessions.
    "Ready?" Josh asked. "Let's go, then. My grandfather is expecting us."
    As they left the parish hall Josh turned to the young boy. "So what do you think of Grantville, Colas?"
    Colas laughed. "Colette calls it 'fairy-tale land.' And it is truly wondrous!