Immediately after the next sleeping period, Norman Saint Clair had
Koal drive him into the shopping district where he purchased one of
the surface cars. It had been agreed at the previous meeting of the
new-born Sinn Fein Society that members should be introduced at small,
apparently harmless parties. A list of possible recruits had been
drawn up and Koal, after directing him to the library, left to set the
machinery running.
The library was a large, well lit building with an imposing entrance
hall. Norman searched the foyer, but could see no one. Apparently the
library was deserted. He crossed the floor, peered over the counter.
There was a couch behind the counter and stretched at full length on
the couch was a girl sound asleep. For a moment Norman continued to
gaze at her in astonishment. Her blond hair spread out on the pillow
like yellow gauze. She had on a rumpled green tunic, and her naked
ankle bore the metal slave band. He coughed discreetly.
The girl sat up, stifled a yawn. "Hello," she said, regarding Norman
with surprised interest. Her eyes were large and gray with black lashes.
"Excuse me, miss," he said doubtfully, "but are you the librarian?"
"My God," exclaimed the girl, "don't tell me you want a book!"
"Why, yes," he replied, uncertainty in his voice. "Isn't this the
library?"
"It's the library, yes. But I've been in this vault for a month now,
and you're the first person who's asked for a book. I'd rather be back
at the factory."
"You used to work in a factory?"