In a couple of hours, dawn glow would begin lighting the sky. He was forced to jump aside with a startled squeak as three sections of the wainscot were slammed flat on the floor and armed creatures began pouring in. Several were sent packing back to earth, with the worst possible job ratings that wo could write. And what is the secret behind the mysterious centerpoint station, and ancient, artificial world of unknown origin that has suddenly -- and inexplicably -- come alive.