The View From The Nest

The People Of The Wind, VI.

We have said before but it is worth repeating that one of the best views in Poul Anderson's Technic History is from the rooftop of the Nest, the tallest building in Centauri with a gravshaft to the roof although most customers fly. The rooftop tavern is unwalled, protected from rain by a transparent canopy through which stars are visible unlike on the brightly lit streets below. When Arinnian and Hrill enter, sinking Morgana silvers the river and Gulf. A rank breeze carries sounds of thunder from clouds in the east. Tables with glasses or narcobraziers are lit by dim fluoroglobes circled by insectoids. Shadowy forms, served by a robot, perch on stools. There is recorded harp music. Arinnian and Hrill join Vodan and Quenna and order New African beer.