Conversation was minimal and quiet, barely above a murmur. Tools were
requested and exchanged. A light was brought over and placed so as to
reveal the inner workings of a cabinet filled with circuits and
connections.
One figure walked slowly to the far end of the room, carrying a small
light. He passed through a doorway, traversed a short corridor, and
entered an enormous chamber. He paced along a catwalk. The power in
this room was operative. Far above him was an indigo sky with silver
stars. A pale blue dawn was showing at the horizon. To his left was an
extensive mirror-smooth lake in which the sky and stars were reflected
in unutterable beauty. In the lake, trees grew in profusion. It
appeared to be an orchard in flood time, but it was apparent that the
trees grew best in a watery environment. Heavy, thick, almost circular
leaves covered the trees. Fragrant white blossoms promised fruit in the
next season. On the shore were numerous small boats for skimming and a
few large ones for working in the orchard.
The catwalk led for about a mile across one end of the lake and had
several side passages, all on the right. At the fourth side passage,
the walker turned and passed through an airlock. After he had come
through the second door, he entered a lightless room that gave an
impression of immense spaciousness.
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