A Changed World

Brain Wave (originally THE ESCAPE), 12.

In every detail, Poul Anderson demonstrates that his characters live in a changed world. 

Peter Corinth calculates intranuclear stresses in a faster than light drive field simultaneously with the construction of the hull, engine, armour, doors, ports and controls of the first interstellar spaceship, all designed as an unprecedented piece of precision engineering.

The Institute works nonstop because its many liberated minds now have unimaginable horizons. The future belongs to the young, strong, purposeful and balanced technicians whereas Corinth feels exhausted at thirty-three. He and Helga are now so perceptive that they cannot conceal their feelings for each other and do not try. 

Thin, sharp air smells of autumn and sea. Dead leaves swirl. Frost has come. That is not new, of course, although it is standard Andersonian description, but what is new is that New York streets are half empty. Pedestrians and cars are rare. Skyscrapers are dark.

Roger's Cafe is:

"'A new night club for the new man.'" (p. 106)

Inside, there is a blue twilight. Corinth immediately deduces the new fluorescence principle used. Tables are spaced farther apart than formerly and are arranged in a spiral that minimizes distances to be walked by waiters. However, the waiter is a wheeled machine that extends slate and stylus for orders.

An orchestra including some previously famous musicians plays both old and new instruments to a now more appreciative audience. The new ability to see each other more clearly has eliminated former social distinctions. Corinth and Helga communicate with looks, gestures and very few words. 

He remembers liking:

"Ah, Love, could thou and I with Fate conspire -" (p. 110)

- but now sees it as childish.