I’m afraid environmentalism and diamond mining don’t mix,” Sophia stated. Nina couldn’t agree extra. forward, becoming speedily because the aircraft descended, used to be Yuen’s diamond mine, a mammoth crater gouged out of the earth. Nina can make out yellow cars relocating up and down the lengthy paths spiraling all the way down to the bottom of the large pit; she did a double take while she discovered they have been nonetheless miles from the outlet. The vehicles have been huge, immense, based on the terrifying scale of the mine itself. past the pit have been a variety of warehouselike constructions and cylindrical towers, all at the similar sizeable scale. the full complicated of pit and aid structures spanned over a mile, and the far-off fences round the mine advised lots of room for enlargement. the dual Comanche made a bumpy touchdown, taxiing to the top of the runway and being directed right into a huge parking sector off to at least one facet. there have been already quite a few different airplane at the flooring, starting from small chartered props to company jets. It was once essentially an incredible occasion. With both significant protection. Chase, Nina and Sophia—TD remained within the plane—were met at a cordon by means of a bunch of unsmiling armed males. inner most protection, no longer Botswanan military. It took Chase just a moment’s statement to inform they had army education. Their stance, alertness and carry on their guns a lifeless giveaway. As he approached, he intentionally secure his personal stance, attempting to glance as undisciplined as attainable as he shambled as much as the checkpoint with heavy luggage of apparatus. one of many guards held up a hand, his partners subtly moving place to hide the recent arrivals. “Good afternoon, welcome to the Ygem diamond mine,” he stated robotically. “May I see your customer passes and identity, please? ” Sophia spoke for them, aristocratic accessory to complete commanding impression. “Good afternoon. I’m Sophia Black, from the CNB information bureau in Cape city. this is often Ed Case, my cameraman, and Nina Jones, my sound engineer. ” She gave the defend the files that TD had got. He checked them opposed to a listing on a clipboard and made an approving noise. “Thank you,” he acknowledged, returning the files. one other guy ran an digital wand over their our bodies, detecting risk free goods like keys and cash. the 1st guy went via their baggage. “Can you turn this on, please? ” he requested of the cumbersome video digicam he took from one in every of Chase’s baggage. Chase obliged, the digital camera coming to lifestyles. The protect peered throughout the viewfinder to ensure, even commencing the tape door to examine within. “Camera, battery packs, spare tapes, growth mike, sandwiches,” Chase stated, mentioning every one merchandise in flip. “Hey, you brain if i am getting a few photos of you men? you recognize, for heritage colour? ” “Yes, I do mind,” the protect instructed him firmly. As Chase repacked his apparatus, the guy seemed via Nina’s little backpack, discovering purely the binder. He flicked throughout the first few pages of her handwritten notes with out curiosity, then again it and went on in a bored voice, “It is the coverage of the Ygem diamond mine to remind all viewers that diamond robbery is a very critical offense, to be able to be punished through the complete strength of Botswanan legal and civil legislation.