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"The first thing that's wrong with being a science-fiction writer today is that the present has caught up with the future and surpassed it."
- Peter Watts
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| Luminescent Vial | ||
| A glass tube full of luminescent algae; used to provide some measure of light underground. |
The sacerdotes of Aerlith live apart from the Utter men of the surface. Joaz Banbeck journeys deep into their caves to learn their secrets.
| On hands and knees he peered into the tunnel, and since it was dark, held forward a glass vial of luminescent algae. In the faint light the tunnel seemed empty... After perhaps a undred yards the tunnel broke out into a natural cavern.. Luminescent vials fixed to the walls at irregular intervals provided a measure of light, enough to delineate the direction of the cavern... Joaz came upon sacerdotes, the first asleep on a reed rug; the second sitting cross-legged, gazing fixedly at a contrivance of twisted metal rods. |
| From The Dragon Masters,
by Jack Vance. Published by Galaxy in 1962 Additional resources -
|
For another fine example of tasteful underground lighting, see the glowglobe from Frank Herbert's Dune.
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