"Sure. I've had nothing to do for five years but study the library.
I could put my finger on the wire-tape recording that explains the
process. It's an intricate business, but we could duplicate it on Earth
easily enough."
Paula would be glad to know that, Garth thought. The secret of the
Ancients' power, that could replace oil and coal--a vital secret to
Earth now.
* * * * *
Willard was still talking. "I ran when I heard you coming. I'd been
studying one of the recordings, but I thought the Zarno might have got
through the barrier somehow.... It doesn't harm humans, luckily, or the
robots. I learned a lot in five years."
"How did you manage to keep alive?"
"I found food. The Ancients had stocked up this place. _Pills!_"
Willard grimaced. "They kept me alive, and there was a machine for
making water out of the air. But I'm hungry for a steak."