THE COLONY HAD GROWN. The humans had increased their numbers and new habitations had sprung up. Settlements grew around the mines in the mountains. Though it took nine orbits of the planet around its star, the tunnel through the mountains was finished. The two halves of the continent were connected. Next came a bridge over the mighty river beyond the mountain range that nearly bisected the land.
Humans built dwellings on the previously uninhabited farther side of the range. They removed the native vegetation, and fields appeared on the rich alluvial soil. A new growing district was established, producing food for the ever-growing population. Next to the river dwelt gatherers of nutritious river plants. Other inhabitants dug the soil and extracted subterranean fungi.
Night and day, vehicl
