She caught breathlessly at his arm, steadying herself. "I made him go without me. I ... I couldn't leave you, Andy." Her voice rose. "I'm going with you!"
His mind whirled in dismayed confusion. He sent a swift glance at the metal globe. Any moment now, the door would open—
"Ellen, you can't go!"
"Why not? I'm willing to take the risk. And I'll be happy, whatever the future is like, as long as I'm with you."
He shook his head in despair. "It ... well, I'm afraid it's just impossible, that's all. No provision has been made for you. I don't know even if there would be room for you. I don't know if Nela can allow you in her plans, or—"
He broke off. Glancing at the globe again, he saw that the door was opening.
He waited for Nela to appear, wondering what her reaction would be when she saw Ellen, wondering how this hopelessly tangled situation could possibly be resolved.
The door of the globe stood fully open. Nothing else happened.
Pearce waited a moment longer, puzzled, then slowly looked into the globe. Except for two padded seats and a myriad of instruments on the curving walls, the interior of the machine was empty.