Taming the Field Part 1

The first Fieldmaster broke down after just eleven days.

The second developed a stubborn cooling problem. The third was running without a hitch. The fourth gave its driver such a scare that he refused to climb back onto it. The fifth sat parked in a barn waiting for dry weather.

And the sixth had triggered an all-out argument between twelve farmers, two village elders, and one very frustrated contractor.

Arthur Pendelton stared at the six reports spread across his desk, then looked over his spectacles at Ernest Teucher.

"Congratulations," Arthur said flatly.

Ernest raised an eyebrow. "What for?"

"You brought the industrial revolution to the countryside."

From across the office, Hollen Vane let out a quiet chuckle.

"And apparently," Arthur added, tapping the papers, "the countryside is fighting back."

Ernest picked up the top sheet. "What happened to the first tractor out west?"

"Gearbox bearing gave up."