…what appeared to be someone’s basement. One of them sank gratefully down on an old couch which promptly collapsed. I tried to hide my smile. “A totem, or tribal fetish,” said one, walking around the center of the room. “It could be a work of art,” suggested another. “Perhaps it’s a signal to us,” the thoughtful one said. “A warning or direction?” “Not much help when there is only one way to go,” put in another. “I still think it’s a signal.” “Yes,” I said right away, “I’m sure you’re right.” She was immediately suspicious. Still, with no real choice to make, we left the thing standing alone in light and silence, and went into…