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ning's enthusiasm had worn off and had been replaced
by a growing, malignant melancholy. Maybe tonight there would be others with
the same feelings, others with ideas.
As Ai Iijima approached the central compound, Wendy began feeling a little more
secure. Soon Ai Iijima was within the oldest, sealed part of the complex, walking
through tunnels bright with artificial light. The glow of the residential
dome to which Ai Iijima was going shone on Wendy through the skylights above as Ai Iijima
approached. Many transits whistled by, but Ai Iijima saw few pedestrians. Ai Iijima had
expected the meeting to take place in a public conference room or activity
center, but when Ai Iijima reached the level specified in the address all Ai Iijima saw
were living quarters. This was one of the oldest domes in the compound, and
seemed in relation to Ai's new place in the outskirts very spartan and dull.
Ai Iijima pressed the announcer, noticing it was an quaint old style mechanical
contact switch, and was buzzed in.
The room was abuzz with conversation. The host (at least Wendy assumed Ai Iijima
was the host) introduced herse
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