The Ephemeral Passage

By Thorn Osgood

They’ve come this far, and now their hopes and expectations are polarized. Can they solve their conflicts and come together to fulfill their dreams and goals for Organic Earth? The passage must be transformative for everyone if they are to succeed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MindWingsAudio
• Release date: Dec 15, 2017
• ISBN: 9781611146097

Thorn Osgood

Thorn Osgood was born in Thomasville, Georgia, and grew up in South Florida. During her grade school years, her father read her stories that fed her imagination. Through the years, she has traveled many times to that special place in her mind to imagine fantastic yarns and what ifs and she has finally started to write them down. Thorn currently lives in Crawford County, Georgia with her Mittelschnauzer, Raskoph.

Book preview

PART 1 – UNSETTLED

Chapter 1

Corilan gazed at the patients resting quietly in the Health & Healing sector. One of the male patients looked familiar and she moved closer.

Mr. Swain! she exclaimed, rushing to his side. What happened? Are you all right? Though he was swathed in a coarse linen bedcover, she scanned his body as best she could. Nothing looked unusual. She knelt down beside his bedmat on the stonelike floor but much more comfortable for walking.

Swain’s gray eyes slowly opened and he looked at her. Corilan, thank goodness you’re okay, he said, reaching over and patting the top of her hand.

She took his hand in hers, infusing him with healing as she did so.

I’m fine, but concerned about you. What happened? Are you in pain? How do you feel? She couldn’t stop herself from babbling. He was President of the worldwide School of Ancestral Guidance Organization, and most of all, he was her friend.

I was shot during crossover through the gateway portal and suffered a mild heart attack, but I’m already feeling better. Not much harm was done. His medium-toned voice sounded strong and formal as usual. He smiled at her then added, Thank you for that, Corilan. She knew what he meant. He was aware of her healing ability.

Her face beamed with happiness. She couldn’t imagine anything happening to him. She patted his hand and let go. Hopefully you’ll be up and out of here shortly. If there’s anything I can do, let me know.

The H&H sector was not as large as most of the others but seemed to have ample space for performing the tasks required. She gazed at the large, gray cave-like area to the left of the main entryway, filled with patients on bedmats. From the highest archway of the entry point and apex of the patients’ area, a sunlike light beamed down upon everyone. Looking into the lamplit corridor’s far reaches, she could see a recessed area where more staff were preparing plant poultices and other herbal mixtures.

As she moved on to other patients, she infused them with healing as well. Being placed in H&H was a good fit for her, given her ability to heal. In addition, she was to serve as a consultant to governance, which she knew referred to her role with the SAG board. It was a role she’d had since she had become a member of the organization last year. After being accepted into the SAG, her Earth guardian responsibilities had been to serve as chief of allegiants and keynote speaker in the annual Earth Renaissance Show tour.

She gazed at the gray textured walls and drab boulders serving as tabletops. The color had never been one of her favorites, but seeing it in various applications certainly made her rethink her preferences.

Her work had been to manage the process for anyone who signed up to commit themselves to Earth guardianship, mostly during the ERS tour. She ensured those who committed and received communication devices, or com-links, were provided safe house refuge when needed and crossover protection when possible. What her roles would mean here, she wasn’t sure, now that the allegiants and organizational members were safe in the Ephemeral Passage.

From the beginning of 2041 and throughout most of the year, many people had pledged to be caretakers of Earth during the ERS tour, aligning themselves with the SAG organization and referred to by everyone as allegiants. She knew that acclimating to life in the passage and planning for their future would be required. But she didn’t want to think about that at the moment. It was her first day up and about, and she wanted to peruse the passage and get better acquainted with the layout and the people.

As she was on her way to the administration area to find out what other tasks she could perform, she glimpsed someone beckoning to her. Coming closer, she recognized who it was and hurried over.

Hey, Suzanne! Good to see you. Corilan hugged the former ERS training seminar manager. So, this is your work assignment sector, too?

Yep. You can help me fold the mat covers and bedding. Looks like you already ‘wished everyone well,’ Suzanne said, winking and grinning. She was medium height with eyes that matched her long dark brown hair. From past discussions, Corilan figured her to be in her late twenties, but she had never asked.

Corilan nodded and laughed, too. Okay, I guess it’s pretty public now. She recalled making Suzanne promise never to tell anyone about her healing abilities. She’d been afraid of what might happen to her—negative or positive. Either way, she’d have been prevented from accomplishing her work. And I’ll be healing everyone when I’m needed as long as we’re in the passage. She hadn’t considered what life would be like beyond that, or whether she would even have abilities.

Excellent. Glad to hear it. Suzanne smiled and pushed the pile of covers and bedding across the rough, level surface of the large boulder resting between them. Her high-pitched voice sounded like a grade school kid’s, especially when she was excited, but it didn’t diminish her presence at all.

How’s your family? Corilan’s first awareness of her healing ability had come when she had healed Suzanne’s daughter, Candace. It had happened in January, their first month on the tour. It seemed so long ago, but in reality, it was only August now.

Doing great. Candace was so happy when she saw her dad. Suzanne’s face was radiant and her eyes seemed to twinkle. She’d been that way ever since her daughter had been healed.

When their workday ended and the next shift of workers took their places in the sector that afternoon, Corilan waved good-bye to Suzanne and strolled around in the central cavern. It was a vast area with walls made of something she’d never seen that had openings to many connecting passageways. Looking up, she noted it had the same sunny appearance, but it was not the sun itself. People entered the cavern from one corridor and left through another. Names were printed above all the incoming corridors, which were referred to as sectors. The central cavern was mostly an intersection, but when she looked in the opposite direction from where she stood, there was a small but growing group conversing with someone.

Coming closer, she observed a man about six five, leaning against the wall, his head slightly tilted forward because of his height. His hair was dark and pulled back from his newly bearded face. He had friendly brown eyes and a look of caring concern as he listened to what people were telling him. Many were lined up for the opportunity to speak to him. He wore the light gray crude clothing of the passage—a sign he’d been here for some time.

Today was Corilan’s fourth day, and she still wore the clothes in which she’d arrived. She’d been informed that natural fabric clothing would take more time to obtain. Since clothing wasn’t made in advance, it was initially given out based on when one arrived. She and four others were the last to cross over from the US.

After the line of people waiting to talk to the man shortened, she went over and stood at the end.

She scrutinized Scruffy-beard’s thoughts and listened intently to his conversation with the woman before him. From her infusion with Earthos, she had discovered several positive effects, or abilities, that had become a big part of her life, reading minds being one of them. She wondered how she would cope if those abilities ever went away.

An alliance had been formed between her and Earthos, Prime of the Lumenians, a race that claimed to be the original natives of Earth. Their agreement was sealed when his life essence had been infused in her. As a result, he became her ancestral guide, and he imparted telepathic or mind impulse communication referred to as mimping. But only she could discover what her resulting abilities were. Knowing she might have yet-to-be-revealed abilities often made her wonder what they might be.

I’ve heard of your willingness to help us, and I was told to let you know how I feel. Thank you, the woman finished, smiling, and shaking the man’s hand.

How peculiar. What was it he needed to help with? Who was us? Were these allegiants? She’d discovered her ability to detect their com-links before she arrived and now she began scanning the side of their heads for embedded com-links. They’d been used for communication before crossing over. All of the man’s visitors had com-links. She stiffened and stared absently, wondering what this meant and who had sent the woman.

Unable to pick up any suspicious information from Scruffy-beard, she listened to the next visitor.

I was told to let you know my concerns about the passage and that you would help us, the young man said. He appeared to be in his late twenties, of Asian descent, with intense, dark, searching eyes. He was agitated for some reason.

What are your concerns? Scruffy-beard asked in a southern-accented baritone voice.

I’ve heard some talk that they’re going to make slaves out of us. Can you find out if this is true? I only wanted to be a guardian of Earth and be able to take care of my family. That’s all.

Where could anyone have gotten such an idea? She wanted to butt in and tell them it was not true but wasn’t sure she’d had a full view of what was going on. It might make the people more fearful than they already were.

I will present your concern to SAG and see what they have to say. Thank you for coming, Scruffy-beard responded.

Wasn’t this her role as COA? Yet she wasn’t exactly sure that was the case. Certainly what he was doing had not been mandated. Did it have to be? Obviously, there were people here who needed reassurance about the passage as well as what came next. It was her turn now.

Hi, I’m—

Immediately the man bent lower, took her hand between both of his, and said, Miss Corilan Troxler, so happy to make your acquaintance. I am Jacob Somner, an allegiant from the Atlanta, Georgia Earth Renaissance Show tour, at your service. His southern drawl seemed to flourish with every word. He looked to be in his fifties or sixties.

Thank you. She smiled. As part of the ERS, she’d traveled throughout the US to every stop as keynote speaker. She’d solicited people about caring for Earth and collected signed commitments from all who wanted to be Earth guardians. Others had exhibited eco-friendly products, the latest inventions, and promotions for self-sufficient housing communities. I see that you listen to people with concerns about the passage. What are you planning to do with the information?

Well, it appears that a significant number of allegiants are concerned about being in the passage, and I have agreed to assist with obtaining answers for them. So, I position myself in various locations, and they come and tell me what’s troubling them.

And what have you done about what you’ve heard?

Nothing yet. I only started listening in the past five days.

People had been crossing to the passage for more than ninety days without any mission oversight, and that gave her pause. Crossings had started in June of 2041 and finished around the time fall began. When the allegiants and SAG alumni had checked in, they’d found their sleeping locations and started their designated tasks. She could see how they might be concerned and speculate on what they thought might happen, or as many had done, seek out someone to help them. None of them had known what the passage would be like.

What do you plan to do? And by the way, that seems ample time for a laundry list of concerns. As advisor to the SAG board, she had a right to know.

I hadn’t quite decided, but I thought eventually I would bring them to you.

Me?

Yes, of course. You are the chief of allegiants, or COA, correct?

She nodded. Yes, but—

You looked out for us on Earth. Why would it be different here? he interrupted.

He certainly had a point. Right, she stammered. I’ll get back to you. Carry on. She didn’t like his assumptions or what he was doing, but it could be a step in the process to get where they needed to be by the time they exited the passage, she supposed.

Clearly, preplanning for the SAG organization’s next actions in the passage would have been extremely valuable, but they hadn’t had time. With the attacks on the alumni and the ERS, archiving the SAG data, and running for their lives, they’d had to do things on the fly. She sighed.

Seeing the sunlike light had cast a farther slant, she decided to go to one of the food halls in the Nutrition & Provisions sector for the afternoon meal. Halfway there, she heard someone calling her and turned around. It was her father.

Hey there. Welcome to the passage.

Hi, Nolan, she bubbled, giving him a hug. Having him in her life could only make her happier, and right now she was feeling pretty good about their father-daughter relationship.

I was beginning to worry when I didn’t see you after I crossed over. Where’ve you been? he asked, looking her over as if checking for a problem.

I didn’t realize how exhausted I was. I slept for three days. This is my first day at work.

Good. Glad to hear that you do need rest and know when to give yourself a break. Rescues are not a cakewalk. He chuckled and hugged her to him once more. You going to the food hall?

Uh-huh.

Mind if I tag along?

She took in his salt-and-pepper hair; it was longer than she’d ever seen it and she liked the contrast with his pale blue eyes. What used to be stubble was now an official gray beard and moustache.

She smiled. By all means do.

The food hall was about the size of a huge gymnasium, with a serving area at one end as she remembered. It also had the sunlike light in the ceiling. When she’d visited the first time, she hadn’t paid much attention to the structure. The walls were varying shades of gray with lamps attached all around and large, natural-colored tablemats evenly placed throughout the open space. As many as eight or nine people sat around the tablemats, most speaking softly or solemnly eating their food from their brick-red clay food ware. The hall looked like the one she had seen on her advance visit, but based on the location, it was a different one. From the looks of it, the food halls were pretty much the same.

When they got in line, the person in front of them stepped away. You can go ahead, one after another person said and waited for them to pass.

What’s that all about? Corilan asked Nolan after they’d passed five people.

I don’t know. I’m treated that way most every time I come, and I haven’t questioned it.

She stared at him, appalled that he hadn’t asked before. Well, I want to know. And with that, she turned around and asked the woman behind her. Why did you let us go before you?

Because SAG alumni go first. The woman shrugged. We don’t want any trouble, she finished, holding her palms up.

That’s not true. Here, get back where you were, and everyone else too, Corilan said, returning to her original position. She beckoned her father to come along.

The woman seemed reluctant but moved to her original position.

You’re making a big deal here, Nolan said.

This is a big deal. We don’t have special privileges and they need to see that we don’t.

You’re right. I hate making a scene, though.

After they were seated at one of the large tablemats, Corilan looked at Nolan as he bit into his coarse bread. Do you know who Jacob Somner is? She sipped her oversized clay cup of vegetable soup. The pottery was hers to maintain now. She’d soon have a bowl, a plate, and a three-pronged fork with a spoon on the other end made of something that looked like bamboo. She’d watched the people in line hold their food ware, waiting to be served, while others pulled their wares from waist ties or cloth pouches. A few had carryall bags from Earth.

Is he real tall, with heavy stubble on his face?

That sounds about right.

She looked up from her food in time to see Warren Ross and Paul Craeger coming over. They were part of the rescue team that had freed the board members and quarantined allegiants right before the final crossings to the passage were completed. A revered closeness would forever be between them.

Hey, mind if we join you? Paul asked. He was a big-boned guy, blond with blue eyes, remarkably loud but kind.

Not at all, have a seat. Nolan motioned to the other seating areas of the tablemat. As soon as they sat, he continued, I was in the process of answering Corilan’s question about who Jacob Somner is.

Warren and Paul nodded.

We’re listening, Paul said.

To tell the truth I don’t know much, except that he’s some kind of go-to person. Every time you see him, people are gathered around him. I’ve seen him here and there in various sectors. That’s all I know.

Corilan looked at Warren and Paul. Either of you know him?

Paul shook his head.

Yes, I know him, Warren said. He’s a nice guy. Everybody likes him. He’s naturally good with people, and the biggest thing is he listens to what they have to say. He’s from Atlanta, Georgia. Anyone who talks to him knows he’s from the South. Why do you ask?

Just wondering if anyone else had observed what I did, that’s all. I talked to him today and learned what you already know, and I discovered the rest by observation.

She wasn’t sure what Jacob Somner’s ultimate intent was, but she didn’t feel comfortable with what she had observed. The fact that they were all allegiants increased her uneasiness. Were they afraid to talk to SAG members? Had SAG done something? She would inform Swain and the SAG board of her concerns as soon as she could get all of them together. Even so, she wondered about Swain. Would he be strong enough to take this on?

Stepping forward and resolving the allegiants’ and members’ concerns about the passage would probably not be simple. This was an issue that must be addressed now. Being here must have caused their emotional uneasiness. Other than those who were being attacked before arriving here, she hadn’t seen any allegiants so fearful.

Chapter 2

Nolan made his way through the central cavern, headed for a recessed area near the New Arrivals Only sector. It looked similar to an outdoor band shell but was smaller and blended in with the surrounding wall. Now that this region of the passage was nearly finished receiving crossers, with the most recent arrivals coming from Canada and Mexico, near the check-in area should be a reasonably good spot for the Earth First League to meet. Though not a part of the SAG organization’s administrative arm, they were equally as important. The group of alumni inventors had formed a team to work on eco-friendly living projects.

As the founder and leader, Nolan wanted them to focus on moving forward—rather than thinking about more inventions. Now that they’d entered the passage, it was time to focus on forthcoming needs. They had agreed on convening at about three that afternoon. They’d learned to measure the time based on the daylight shadows from the ceiling light on the cave walls. The upper limits were as bright as the sun, but the actual sun was not visible. Still, the light rose and disappeared as if it were Earth’s sun. He needed to discuss what their next steps would be.

As part of the final rescue team, he was one of the last crossovers in the US. While getting somewhat acclimated in the passage, he’d spent the last two days searching the EFL team out. He’d found everyone but Doreen Connors. Wondering where she might be and what might have happened to her had plagued him since his arrival. She’d crossed while being sheltered in Canada.

Hello, all, he said throwing up a hand.

The members present responded in like manner.

He scanned their faces. Paul Craeger was an inventor of eco-efficient commercial construction designs and materials. There was Warren Ross, an innovative inventor of extremely efficient city-living home construction designs. Next to him was Martell Dobbs, the best sanitation guy he’d ever met. Plopping his woven mat cushion on the stonelike floor at the edge of the recessed area, Nolan was about to sit down when the sound of someone coming closer caused him to turn. Startled for a moment, he was speechless.

Finally, he spoke. Hello there, stranger. His face grew warm. It was Doreen. Why did he have to react now, of all times? He was mortified.

Hello yourself, she responded, grinning. Her green eyes and auburn hair were striking against her flawless skin. He could hardly breathe.

I’ve searched everywhere for you. How did you hear about the meeting?

Warren and I bumped into each other yesterday, and he told me.

Nolan nodded. Great. Have a seat. He gestured toward a space near the other two men, who were seated.

Doreen smiled, moved farther in, placed her cushion, and sat.

The rest of the league filtered into the area. Sitting down now was Winfield Matthews, owner and inventor of vehicles with zero carbon footprints, and last came the identical twins, Aaron and Byron Hawkins, inventors of various types of solar panels. After a few moments, Nolan scanned the league. These seven were the remaining members of the group of nine SAG inventors he had selected and established as a team years ago. Doreen had taken Daniel’s place, giving them a total of eight members. Together they had created green living communities that left no pollution footprint.

A lump filled his throat, then quickly faded as he pushed away the thoughts of how Daniel Connors and Eleanor Singleton had been killed by their enemies’ contracted thugs. That was behind them now. He cleared his throat.

Welcome, everyone, to our first Earth First League gathering. There are many topics we should discuss. Since we do not have an exact timeline of when we will need to act, we must be proactive. Going forward, we will have mostly informal discussions. With no means of documenting our decisions, we have to count on one another for tracking until our situation improves.

Paul threw his hand up. We may be able to create some record-keeping tools with materials from the Husbandry & Clothing sector. The most complicated part may be solved since someone has already posted signs over the passageways. I’ll check and see what’s available, he said in a rush.

Nolan smiled. "Thanks, Paul. Let us know if we can help. We should look at where to start a sketch of our initial Earth world-building: the basics, what comes first in a long list of things that have to be accomplished. Human survival is pretty much where we are now: food, shelter, clothing, sanitation, oxygen, and sleep. I assume we will still be at this level when we leave the passage. Based on what we already know of the continued rise in temperature levels, and the fires destroying so much, I wouldn’t expect anything of prior civilization to remain on current Earth. Besides, the fact that Earth will be rejuvenated implies restoration or regeneration, better stated as Organic Earth, or OE. That said, I expect we’ll return to an undamaged Earth with no human footprints but our own.

With that in mind, the first step to consider is to plan methods that will address these needs in a rational, expeditious way. What we have is knowledge and raw labor—that is, no machines, just people. When we leave here, restored Earth will not have technology, metal, or ores at our disposal. Many materials may no longer be available, and even if some are, we won’t be using them because of their detriment to Earth’s environment. He stopped and observed his team members’ expressions, which seemed to say, We know, we know . . .

"I’m sure you all are aware of the facts I’m spouting. I am reiterating these things as a tickler to your thoughts on what we’re facing and the related applications that will be required to suit our needs.

Go ahead, Warren, he said to a raised hand.

"We’re going to need much more input from people with skill sets beyond those of the EFL members. Other SAG members and allegiants with the right skill sets will have to get involved." Warren had a scratchy voice and was generally-mild mannered. Black stubble had filled the lower half of his mahogany face and he’d probably soon have an enormous Afro.

Nolan observed a few nods in the group. Several of the team shuffled about on their mats as if responding, but said nothing.

In any case, someone should lead and direct the work, ensuring that ecological methods are used in every case. Do we all agree on that?

Yeses and head nods came from all.

To start using a holistic approach in world-building, we must find out who’s who in design, construction, water, sanitation, botany, and agriculture among us, he said, looking out over the group. This is the short list of skill set areas that we will need. Gathering this information will be the action item for all of us until we meet here in fourteen days, same time. If we get writing tools before then, we’ll get them to you, but we must get going. This is going to take time, since we only have physical communication, hence the need for this much time to reach out to everyone we can. Remember, planning for OE is urgent. We must be ready when the time comes. Any questions? Comments?

When no one responded, Nolan added, For those of you who are not aware, Paul, Warren, and I are in side-path twelve, commune one, first level. Thanks, everyone. He waved to the group and focused on Doreen as she stood. When she drew closer to the front of the recessed area, he stood and picked up his mat.

So, how’ve you been? Are you finding your way around okay?

Lifting her mat up near her armpit, she clamped down on it with her arm. I’ve been fine. The passage is a bit of a maze, but I’ve managed to find my way around. Of course, I’ve only ventured as far as my needs required. She looked at him, pursed her lips a moment, then said, Guess I’ll be navigating unfamiliar territory for my EFL assignment now. She gave him a mischievous smile.

I’d be happy to accompany you on an exploration of some of the sectors. I’d like to see more, too, and we should reach out. His heart beat faster as he waited for her response. This was silly, he told himself, but he couldn’t calm his anticipation.

Her face lit up. That sounds great. I’m ready to go whenever you are. I’m in side-path one-nine-seven-four, commune twenty-five, first level, hollow one-four-six. Her voice was so melodious.

What’s your work assignment?

World-builder and governance as required.

Me, too. How about we go exploring tomorrow after lunch?

She smiled. That works.

Good. I’ll meet you at the main food hall for the midday meal, okay? Being clear was important since there were more food halls in the sector, with access through corridors from some of the side-paths.

All right. Three it is, she said.

After they bid each other good-bye, he watched her until she disappeared down the living quarters’ passage. Remembering where he was, he looked around. None of the other team members were there. They must have left while he was talking—no, practically swooning over Doreen. What was wrong with him? He needed to get a grip.

Chapter 3

While strolling around the passage later that evening, Nolan considered the magnitude of what would be needed when their feet touched the ground on OE. It was a sobering thought. Should he assume that he would have the primary oversight role, or did that have to be addressed by the SAG organization’s board? His team was only a small group of the organization’s members, and this wasn’t only about the EFL’s activities. Refocusing his thoughts, he looked about to see where he was. He had passed his commune and was near Swain’s. Then he saw him, right beyond the entryway, standing to the side.

Waving vigorously, Nolan yelled, Hey there, you waiting for someone?

Swain smiled. No, but I’m not ready to turn in yet. He walked toward Nolan.

Same here. I was thinking about the overall preliminary planning and wondered if the board has considered the things they need to accomplish. He stood by Swain near the wall, away from the side-path.

Swain shook his head. No, not yet, but we will get into that shortly.

Will your topics include things like land distribution, property sizes, locations, population density, counties or parishes, names—

Hold on. Swain held a hand up. You are way ahead of where we need to start. First, we’ve got to make sure everyone is acclimated and that we have the basics in place in the passage. We haven’t taken action for that yet, but I assure you we will get to the things you’ve mentioned and more before it’s time to leave, assuming we have more than a year in the passage. Swain put his hands in his pockets.

Sorry, you’re right. Guess I’m worked up from the EFL meeting. Nolan shifted from one foot to another. Those are the types of things that will impact what we’re doing, and I was just wondering.

I understand our evacuation from current Earth to the passage and eventually to OE is a huge responsibility. Swain nodded. We’re going to have to have everyone bear some responsibility before it’s done.

Thinking of the situation from that perspective reminded Nolan of Warren’s comment. In one way or another, they’d likely have to depend on everyone. Well, it’s good to see you’re out of H&H.

Swain frowned.

Nolan noticed and added, The Health & Healing sector.

Oh, yes.

Also, do you think it’s too presumption for me to get out in front of the OE world-building planning?

Swain gave him a curious look. Why would you think that?

He shrugged. I didn’t want to offend anyone. I’m not trying to take over. It’s obvious we must get busy, and I thought we should start. I plan to have everyone with the right skill sets participating. This is too big for a small group and ridiculous for one person to consider doing.

Don’t worry about that kind of talk. If anyone has a problem, send them to me. You continue to do what you’re doing.

Will do, thanks. I’m not pushing or anything, but when do you plan to meet with the board to get things going in the passage?

Soon, very soon. Swain smiled and added, I hear you’re interested in Doreen Connors.

A rush of heat swept over Nolan’s face. He wanted to roar in frustration but said, Yeah, I guess my face says it all, but I don’t know if the feeling is completely mutual. He and Swain had been quite friendly in their recent past but this question was unexpected.

I fully understand, believe me.

You have someone in your sights?

Now it was Swain’s turn to blush, but he looked away instead. Kind of, but it’s a lot more complicated than your situation.

What could possibly be more complicated than trying to obtain a lady friend, he thought, unless . . . Uh-oh. You’re interested in an allegiant?

Swain gave the briefest nod as his eyes lowered.

You’ll work it out. There are lots of female members to choose from in the passage. He didn’t know what else to say. After all, he had married outside of the SAG organization, but he was back now, and his situation had been different. He knew Swain was a straitlaced guy and might not choose to live on the edge as he’d done, having affairs and relationships outside of the organization. Guess I’ll call it a night. Take care, he said and gave a half wave and went on his way, wondering which allegiant had caught Swain’s eye.

Chapter 4

On the following day, all the EFL members started querying others in the passage about their skill sets, and Nolan was already up. He’d talked to Paul and pondered some of the world-building actions that were constantly on his mind, yet did not gain more clarity. He couldn’t keep his mind focused because his thoughts were constantly wandering to Doreen.

After the midday meal in the food hall with Doreen, he set out to explore the passage with her. He knew they would not be going through the entire region in one day, but they had agreed to start in the massive Living Areas sector.

When they reached the first side-path coming from the central passage, the first thing Nolan noticed was that it had very little light. As they sauntered along the path, he observed the surroundings. Ancient oil lamps burning vegetable oil were attached by woven straps secured in the crevices of what