Hidden deep underground and near the core of planet Venus lies the masive research facility of the New Edin Project. It's a colossal area with thousands of levels made of concrete and steel. On every floor can be found trillions of circuits, millions of switches, turbines, motors, generators, and an endless number of computer systems. All this high-tech complexity is powered by fusion, the planet's rotation, and gigantic anti-gravity, core-mortors that have been converted into generaters.
Originally designed to get Venus's magnetic field started, it's been refitted and modifyed for the New Eden Project. Although the facility is no longer needed to help spur the planet's inner core to life, its function is still useful in generating an almost limitless amount of power for the project.
Crossing a concrete bridge that spans two massive electric generators, James Newman finds himself giving orders to two mechanical men. He stops in the middle of the roadway and walks to the glass balustrade at the side of the overpass. Wanting to feel the warm air billowing up from beneath him, he reaches out his hand to tuch the heat rising from below.
"Sir," said one of the mechanical men, "would you like to finish your inspection?"
"No, it's just a coupling; I'm sure you can replace it on your own."
James Newman was responding to a report, given by the the phicilitys inspectors, that small fire cracks had been found in the rocky foundations that kept the interier of the planet from colapsing in on them.
"Yes, sir. The fab shop in this sector is in repair. We'll order one first thing tomorrow morning." Said the mechanical man.
"Have we anything in storage?"Said James.
The robot makes a call from a chip within its head.
"Calling... Calling... Yes, two couplings are ready to go."
"Great, have one brought here and install it. Let me know of any anomalies."
James walks to an elevator at the other end of the bridge. He then descends into the depths. Level after level, race by as he falls into the moderately lit abyss. Bright branches of electricity flash outside his aluminum glass box with the zapping, crackling sound of charged particles zipping through the air. Antigravity-breaks slow his descent, until he stops at a floor near his office.
James walks through the long corridor that's open on his right. About fifty feet from the elevator is his own private laboratory. He walks through the white lab to his office at the back. Opening the door, he sees Tammy with her feet up, asleep at his desk. Her ponytail dangles off the chair. He smiled.
"Well, aren't you something." Said James as he closed the door.
Tammy awakened, rubbed her eyes, and said:
"Where have you been!? I've been waiting for hours."
"I'm sorry, lamb. Did I inconvenience you? I've only just been doing my job."
"Sorry to hear it. Now take me out somewhere, nice."
"Why? You already know where you can go."
"Maybe later, dear. I'm hungry. Let's start with that."
"Ok, a crust of bread and some water. I don't have time for your shenanigans."
"Pizza! ...Yes, take me for some pizza. Then you may go."
"With pleasure, kitten."
They walk out of the lab and back to the elevator.
"Where are your teleporters?" Said Tammy, "I didn't see any on the way down."
YOU ARE READING
In The Shadow Of The Tower
Science FictionTwo super-rich kids grow into young adulthood and struggle with their feelings for one another. She has loved him for quite some time, but he is unsure and needs to figure things out. She is also engineered by her father's company to love someone el...
