It was a simple, nondescript little book. Yet it was a book and Michael, as he called himself, liked it. Humor, drama, pathos, love, honor; these and other concepts literary and romantic filled the pages. Plus something called war. He would need to find out precisely what that meant, although it apparently dealt with great bodies of men destroying horrendous and frightening objects, and other men as well. How odd; yet it was exciting, entrancing, and ironic. Feats of derring-do one after another with great ideals at stake while the main character, a good man, was by circumstance on the wrong side of whatever this ''war'' thing was. Michael's heart raced at the thought that perhaps he could relate to the fellow and the conditions.
Michael was so caught up in the story that it took several moments before he noticed the two men he knew would eventually arrive.
The pair of finders smiled hollowly at him. They were clothed in form fitting white garments which had red collars about their necks, and could easily pass as twins with their precise blond hair and sharply blue eyes. ''New and improved I see,'' commented Michael from the ground he sat upon. ''I suppose the Greens and Blues will be gone shortly.''
Ignoring or simply not comprehending his remarks, they communicated telepathically to Michael, ''We'll take you to the city.'' The metallic tone actually sounded rather considerate.
''It isn't a city. It's a laboratory,'' asserted Michael, with emphasis on the latter.
The meaning was lost on the men. Michael asked plainly, ''Can't you talk to me?''
''We are,'' replied the twins in quiet unison.
