We landed in an extensive dining hall where a magnificent repast had
been provided for us. The tables were loaded with the finest soups,
bread, vegetables, honey, fruits and nuts in the greatest variety.
MacNair informed us that any person had the right to eat at any
communal home or public dining hall in the world provided that he had
performed his share of productive labor in any part of the world.
No matter where the labor is applied, the product is added to the
world's supply and it does not signify where its equivalent is
consumed. The evidences of useful service rendered to society, which
are issued by the proper authorities in every part of the world,
entitle the holder to food, shelter and raiment in any other part of
the world. These evidences of labor performed, procure the right of way
upon any public conveyance on land or water, or through the air.
To us, this had indeed been a most eventful day.
We had been discovered in our forlorn condition early in the morning
and at 4 o'clock in the afternoon we had embarked for a voyage of 1000
miles through the air, during which time we had been permitted to enjoy
a bird's eye view of the mighty oceans and vast continents of the
world. By the time we were through with our suppers it was 11 p.m., and
MacNair's announcement that we would now be conducted to our rooms,
was indeed most welcome. He explained that they were in the visitor's
department which we would occupy until our own apartments were ready.
I was introduced into a magnificent bed chamber but was so sleepy that
I scarcely noticed its contents. It was late next morning when I awoke,
and when I went out into the hall, I found it full of people passing to
and fro, and wondered how it was that I could sleep so soundly. But the
mystery was soon explained. I met MacNair in the dining hall and in his
usual cheerful manner he asked:
"Well, Jack, how did you rest?"
"All right," I said, "but I seem to have lost my ability to waken up. I
am usually aroused by the least noise, but all the passing to and fro
in the hall had no effect on me."
"Of course not," said he. "We wanted you to sleep all you could, and so
cut off the sounds from your rooms. These walls are all upholstered so
that no sound can enter when the sound conductors are disconnected.
"Now," he continued, "just make yourself at home and look around for
a day or two. Go wherever your inclinations seem to direct, and make
good use of your eyes. Remember that transportation is free. I am now
going to register your arrival. Your other comrades have gone to Lake
Byblis. Polaris will take care of them and the Ice King."
I took him at his word, and roamed at will over the grounds and through
the public offices, Library, Museum, Lecture Room, Music Hall, etc. I
found that the heads of the departments and many others understood some
English, and all treated me with the utmost courtesy.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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