“...With each kilometer traveled, the ship’s control systems either increased or decreased the surface facing the blinding energy flow. Cooling systems controlled the supply of freon gel to the fire-breathing nozzles of the heat exchangers, extinguishing excess temperature. In the rarefied cloud that enveloped the ship, there was a constant exchange of heat. In this way, the temperature was maintained to ensure the vital functions of the ship's crew. Dr. Hannibal Friede did not pay attention to these quiet sounds because he had become accustomed to them during his three-month life in orbit. This was approximately two solar years, or the distance from Mercury to the Sun, given that Hyperion's orbit was polar rather than equatorial. All the doctor’s attention was focused on the screen in front of him...”