Sphere

Norman and Ted descend to the ocean floor in the same sub. Ted is clearly excited, staring out the porthole and talking about the words they should say before entering the craft for the first time. As they approach the bottom, they see lights and the spacecraft. Ted remarks that the ship has no corrosion, and the sub pilot says that everyone thinks it’s because it’s a metal-plastic alloy. The pilot points out DH-7 and the larger Deep Habitat 8 (DH-8), the habitat for the scientists. The pilot docks with DH-8. Ted and Norman move into a small room where they wait while they’re pressurized. Ted explains that oxygen is dangerous when pressurized, so they’ll be breathing a mixture of gases, primarily helium. For this reason, they must wear talkers that make their voices sound normal. In addition, the helium increases the rate of evaporation, making them feel cold.

Barnes takes Ted and Norman on a quick tour of DH-8. It’s divided into five cylinders, or “Cyls,” A-E. The air lock is in A Cyl. Norman notices divers’ suits and helmets, one of which has his name on it. Barnes explains that they’ll wear them when they go to the spacecraft.