Ness Pt 1

Without looking back young Elken Ness boarded the small ground car that would take him and his father to the waiting shuttle at one of Wanax Prime's many space ports. Fair skinned and still with the awkwardness of all young men Elken settled himself nest to his father who nodded for the driver to proceed.
"How long with the flight be father"
"just a few hours since we'll remain in the lower atmosphere" Elken's father spared a rare smile at his 16 year old son practically vibrating with excitement. His thoughts wandered back to his late teens when his father had given him the same chance. "A year in the mines, Whalt, that will toughen you up, if you ever want to run the family business you need to understand the operation from the lowliest miner to the highest executive." Well Elken's grandfather had been right. 14 months later he returned to Wanax Prime a man forged from the boy he left as. But Elken, he seemed almost too smart for his own good. A mind like a las bolt and so full of questions its a wonder he didn't burst. Well the mines had more to offer then burns and scars as lessons. Whalt thought warmly of the nights in the miner's taverns and the times when they had leave into town. He couldn't think of a better education.
"Will I be able to call home? Mother was adamant about that."
"Probably. Look Elken, don't worry about your mother, I will be here to stop her from worrying herself to death. Start thinking about how you are going to get olong down on the Sear"
Even the old miners name for the molten equatorial belt brought another rare smile to Whalt Ness's face.
Elken looked up into the hard scarred face of his father. He so desperately wanted to share that same grizzled countenance and natural aura of leadership. Sadly Elken didn't share those features, his pales skin was reminiscent of his mothers family and a level of shyness that led him to a life consumed mostly by reading. Well his data slates and holo-novels would be taking a back seat to work down on the "sear". Not only would be working alongside the managers and overseers, but also down in the smelting rooms and possibly on the surface extractors as well.
Possibly judging his sons thoughts Whalt said "Don't worry you will be fine." Ignoring a pang of doubt the Elken shared.
Before either of them could speak again they were coming to a halt on the blistered and burnt surface of the landing strip. Elken could already see a crowd of rough looking me queing up for the waiting shuttle idling on the pad.
Stepping out of the ground car Elken felt the heavy wash of the powerful shuttle thrusters preparing for takeoff. He turned to see his father emerge and place a hand on his shoulder. Whalt's dark eyes looked down at his son's fair hair and skin.
Supressing the urge to hug the boy, Whalt gave his son a firm handshake and another smile before saying "remember, you're no better or no worse then anyone down there, forget that and there will be a world of hurt to remind you"