Chapter 7 Summary

The access iris swirls closed behind Vic. The humming grows louder; the walls are lit; the floor dilates and he drops steadily down the tube past ominous signs, including one that reads "BREEDER-CON." At the bottom is a sign on the wall, "Topeka City Limits Pop. 22,860). As he uses the metal plate again, the iris opens on the "downunder" town of Topeka, which stretched to the horizon. Vic sees neat little houses, curvy little streets, trimmed lawns and a business section. He did not see the sun, moon or stars; rain, mountains, oceans, fields of grain, or forests; or animals, birds, or insects. He feels as if he is in a tin can and he wants out. A green box-like cart on tracks grabs him with cables with mittens on the end and takes him towards Topeka. He watches people in rockers on...