In The Nest

The People Of The Wind, VI.

One of my favourite scenes in Poul Anderson's Technic History is Christopher and Tabitha in the Nest.

Centauri is the second and only other city on Avalon after Gray. The Nest is the tallest building in Centauri. We are not told what is inside the building. A transparent canopy covers the unwalled rooftop tavern. Winged Ythrians and gravbelt-wearing human beings frequent the tavern and there is also a gravshaft. Stars, invisible from the street, are seen through the canopy. There is also a view of the River Sagittarius and the Gulf of Centaurs.

Dim fluoroglobes light tables and are circled by insectoids. Patrons drink from glasses or inhale from narcobraziers. Christopher and Tabitha hear a recorded steel harp. Sometimes bards perform. The human pair meet Eyath's fiance, Vodan, who is spending time with Quenna, a permanently on heat Ythrian female, before going to war in which he will be killed by the friendly fire of the Avalonian defence system - devised by the two Marchwardens who include Christopher's father - although, of course, no one can yet know whether or how Vodan is destined to die. He is just out in the Nest for some leave time like everyone else. A trundling service robot dispenses:

"...thick, strong New African beer." (p. 506)

We vicariously experience some everyday life on Avalon.