Foundryside (The Founders Trilogy, #1)

by Robert Jackson Bennett

“Because sound travels through the air,” said Berenice. “In waves.” Sancia and Gregor stared at her. “It does?” said Sancia. “Like…the ocean?” said Gregor. “We don’t have time to amend your dogshit educations!” said Orso.

<So that’s the guy who bought me, huh?> asked Clef. <Yeah.> <What’s he like?> “Took you damned long enough!” snapped Orso. “God, I thought I’d die of scrumming old age up here!” <Never mind, I think I got it.>

Every innovation—technological, sociological, or otherwise—begins as a crusade, organizes itself into a practical business, and then, over time, degrades into common exploitation. This is simply the life cycle of how human ingenuity manifests in the material world.