Against feeble protests from the others, he maneuvered the creature (which preferred to be called "Jeep") toward Iron Mountain. When they were close Jeep woke up, buzzed, and hovered while a great doorway slid open. It carried the four, clinging together, into the hollow blackness within.
Then, quite suddenly—even though the door slid shut behind them—it was light as day inside.
What a cave! Cylindrical, all of fifty man-lengths across, it slanted down until it must reach far below ground. Far down there, where Jeep was taking them, were some level platforms.
As soon as they settled on one, a terrible, huge, clanking monster, also of non-rusting iron, flew toward them. They huddled while it spoke. "Mr. Smith, sir, Roborepairunit seventeen reporting. Ship's power and drive in order. Unable to complete hull repairs, or repair other working and scouting units, without cannibalizing part of living quarters. Do I have Mr. Smith's permission to proceed?"
Alyar gulped several times, and got out "Yes."
"Thank you, sir. The job will require arc cutting and welding and other high-temperature processes. Will you be here very long?"
"We hope not."
"Very well, sir. I'll begin as soon as you leave."
They sat for a while, wondering what to do. Finally Alyar said, "Jeep?"
"Sir?"