Iron pipes
a foot in diameter ran by the dozens through the open spaces. There
were catwalks, elevators, and enclosed spiral staircases in strategic
places. Great metal containers bearing dials and lights of various
colors took up much of the space.
"Go," said Zip. His voice came out as a whisper, which he had not
intended. He swallowed and said it again, a little louder this time.
"Go on, move out. It's okay." The men stumbled forward, filled with awe
so overwhelming that it paralyzed their vocal cords.
Finally Joe caught his voice. "This is great! Wow! This is GREAT!
FANTASTIC!!" He pushed through the miners in front of him and ran
forward about twenty feet. He shouted as loudly as he could. "HEYYY!!"
There was no echo. His yell disappeared as if it had been damped. He
suddenly felt chilled and afraid. He turned back to the others and
rejoined the crowd. He sidled over to Mark. "This place is great," he
whispered with a smile. Mark's eyes were upturned and shining with
appreciative wonder.
Zip moved to the front of the company. In a quiet but determined voice
he said, "Let's go. We'll just follow the main aisle, straight in front
of us." He began to walk and the others followed. "Don't forget the
food," he threw over his shoulder. Two men turned back to retrieve
their supplies and then ran to join the others.
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