The lift took them down what seemed like about two floors, but given the size of the arboretum it was a little difficult to say how big the floors were. Sure enough, when the doors opened again they found themselves in another huge, open space, but this one was laid out more like a park.There were manicured lawns of some sort of grass with islands of Plascrete or some similar building material. The islands had low buildings on them, or fountains, or just areas lined with seating. It gave the impression of a space set aside for people to meet and talk, formally and informally; a Forum in the original Roman sense. Now, aside from the newly arrived naked Jenlay, there was only one occupant.Speaker appeared to be a Human male in his later years, his face lined, but his complexion quite clear. He had a large, hooked nose, blue eyes which looked at them with a sharp intelligence, and white hair. And he was dressed in a white, double-breasted suit and carrying a walking cane. It seemed to be a form calculated to breed a degree of trust, an authority figure, but a kindly one, someone’s generous uncle, perhaps.‘Welcome,’ Speaker said, ‘to Negral Science Station.’ He tapped a metal case near his feet with his cane.
