Chapter 35
Carl stared, open-mouthed. Tom put an arm on his shoulder.
“What—?” Carl began.
“It’s a factory and research facility. One of many, I would add.”
“But—who? What—what are they for?”
“Technology, including spaceships, and other devices—everything to do with the technology of detection—and defense.”
“Defense?” Carl shook his head. “This is the OS? Surely it’s not the pirates!”
Tom shook his head. “Neither—or both. Come on. I’ll explain.”
He led Carl back through the doors and along the corridor, in a side-corridor there was a door, and through this what looked like a lounge. There was no one there, but Tom fixed drinks for them at a bar, and they carried these to a pair of armchairs that were next to an enormous picture window that overlooked the cavern.
Carl, who felt himself bursting with curiosity, leaned forward.
“What’s all this, Tom? And how did you end up here?”
Tom sipped his drink and nodded.