The long ship hung in orbit above Miracastle and discharged its
passengers. The Scout Ball could handle them: saving energy, which along
with time itself, is the ultimate precious commodity of the universe
governed by the laws of entropy.
The Scout Ball settled through the dark turbulence undisturbed by the
hissing winds. It hovered momentarily in the invisible beacon above the
Richardson dome as if both attracted and repelled. It moved horizontally
and settled. Suited figures on the surface wrestled with its flexible
exit-tube against the storm, fighting to couple it to the lock of the
Richardson dome. The exit-tube moved rhythmically until the Scout Ball
inched away, drawing it taut. Pumps whirred. The suited figures entered
the forward lock of the Scout Ball.
Inside, General Shorter divested himself of the helmet. The suit hung
upon him like ancient, wrinkled skin.