‘This is nonsense!’ Kachika shouted. ‘There can be no delay. One month is all the time we need to lay the mine-grains. We cannot and will not agree to an extension – not even by a single second. Undue delay will only invite trouble. We need to get this operation done! Besides, I don’t believe there is anything about the dinosaur world that we don’t already know.’

14

Mine-Grains

Emperor Dadaeus of Gondwana strode into Boulder City’s Communications Tower flanked by the interior minister and the security minister. The Communications Tower was the nexus of Boulder City’s data network, responsible for the transmission of all information between the capital and the rest of the empire. There were more than 100 similar hubs across Gondwana.

The three dinosaurs headed straight for the tower’s main control room, which was aglow with bank after bank of enormous computer screens. The dinosaur operatives seated behind the screens immediately rose to their feet out of respect for the emperor and his ministers.

‘Who’s in charge here?’ roared the interior minister. Two dinosaurs lumbered forward and introduced themselves as the centre’s lead engineer and chief security officer. ‘Tell me, where are the ants that work here?’ the minister said.

‘They’ve all left for the day,’ replied the lead engineer.

‘Good. Good.’ The interior minister nodded his approval. ‘So you’ve received the order from the Ministry of Security, I presume? And you’ve conducted a thorough examination of every single computer and piece of communications equipment in this tower? Hmm?’ He fixed the two dinosaurs with his steeliest gaze but did not wait for an answer. ‘As you know, this is to prevent possible sabotage by the ants. It’s a nationwide programme being rolled out in every sector and every corner of the empire. It is greater in scope and ambition than any previous inspection.’ He inclined his neck deferentially in the direction of Dadaeus. ‘His Imperial Majesty has come to observe your work.’

The lead engineer lowered his eyes. ‘We conducted a thorough inspection as soon as we received the order,’ he said quietly. A muscle in his jaw twitched nervously. ‘As of this moment, all key equipment has been checked twice. And we have further strengthened our security measures. I can personally guarantee the unassailability of our communications centre. Your Majesty may rest assured.’

‘Show us to the most important area of the tower,’ commanded Dadaeus.

‘To the server room, then?’ The chief engineer shot the interior minister an inquiring look, received an affirmatory nod and set off.

They soon came to an area packed with row upon row of massive white computers. These were the empire’s servers. They hummed softly, like living beings, as they processed the oodles of information pouring in from all over the world.

‘Talk us through the security measures for this server room,’ said the interior minister.