9
FROM THE LITTLE ROOM, we were escorted down the walkway and through a long corridor to another part of the station facing away from the planet. Via an arched entry hall, we came into a huge docking bay carved across at least six levels into the station, as with the s***h of a giant knife. Along both walls, there were hundreds of shuttles stacked in rack-like structures. The ceiling and far side of this hall was open, displaying the brilliant firmament of stars. The view was so clear that it looked like the bay opened directly into space. How on earth would they keep the pressure in?
It was dark and quiet in this hall. Not even our footsteps made any sound, as if the floor and walls absorbed all sound. I had started to wonder if all the ships up there were lifeboats when a craft floated
