noon
It would be a day of confusion in Subterranea if he should forget . As chief of the technies he was in direct charge of the tabulating machines that would , a few seconds after the vote , give the result in the matter of the opening of the Frozen Gate . But the girl 's concern sobered him instantly . On the decision of the people at noon depended the life work of her father , Senator Mane . And it was now nine o'clock . `` I am sure they will order the Gate opened , '' he said instantly . `` All the technies are agreed that your father is right , that the Great Cold was only another , more severe ice age -- not the death of the Sun .