Narration: now everyone spoke only of the Common Good, numerous treatises were written on the subject—entirely secular—and then a great debate arose concerning the origin of the species: some said that they were spawned spontaneously from the dust that lay in the corners; others, that they stemmed from a race of invaders from without.

Narration: To resolve this burning question, the Great Awl was built to penetrate the cosmic wall and explore the Space Beyond. And since unknown things might lurk out there, powerful weapons were immediately manufactured and stockpiled.