Purgatory

By Robb

Purgatory is a morality story that reflects man’s spiritual journey through life. Resnik is presented with a path that could redeem humanity. That adventure begins beyond the horizon on a city in space. As this somewhat sexy tale unfolds, Resnik is confronted by temptations, evil people, and the dark creatures that linger in the vastness of space.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638447689

Book preview

1

Earth and the City

It was a good time of year to be on planet. Late summer, fields were full and green, just a hint of the color change that was coming soon. As Resnik finished his evening walk, the moon became visible. It was smaller from Earth, but the view was somewhat more charming from here. There was a slight promise in the air of cooler weather and different smells. The smells and air were always the same on Purgatory, the largest space station ever built. Really, it’s a city in space, floating between the gravity of the moon and sun. I spent so much time there it was like my second home.

Coming to Earth was very grounding. It was good to put my feet on dirt and rocks, and when it rained, the smell of it was unlike any other and unique to Earth. Water on Purgatory was clean, super clean. It’s nice because you could count on it. It was so clear it almost seemed artificial, no mud running into it, no acid rain, and no pollution. It was always pure, safe, and drinkable almost anywhere in and around the city. However, there was a certain appreciation that came from the randomness of Earth’s waters. They could be so full of life.

Purgatory was well planned before any construction even began. There were no remodels or afterthoughts in the city. Every waterway, hill, and rock were in the blueprints. They even designed specific grass that do not exceed two inches in length. Much of the foliage on Purgatory were shaped as they grew. Some of the large bushes were formed into tables and chairs as they grew. Unique homegrown furniture were scattered all across the city.

Resnik would have another meeting tomorrow. Some of the people attending were genuinely interested in exploration and betterment, while others were only there to gain enough knowledge to exploit the situation in order to make money for themselves. As crazy as it sounds, he kind of needed both. It would take strength. He would need good rest and a replenishment of spirit.

The sound of a distant train woke him up this morning. He had just enough time for a walk before he headed out. A quick look outside showed Resnick he would need to grab a jacket. Amazing how quickly one got used to every day on Purgatory having perfect weather. Being on Earth made him appreciate the lack of weather on Purgatory. This walk was shorter than what he wanted but still a good connection to Earth and Earth’s air. He hopped in his electric pickup on the short drive to town. The truck connected him to his past, his roots as a carpenter.

The building they were holding their meeting in was almost totally transparent. It was made of glass, aluminum, and other transparent materials he couldn’t name if he tried. Even the steps were transparent, making them a little dicey at first. They were clear and scratch resistant, including those on the escalator. Even the elevator had the same see-through materials with no visible supports and a clear polymer floor. Only the toilet rooms and some offices were private. The building mimicked many of the structures on Purgatory, as if the whole place was an open book with nothing to hide.

Some of the usual suspects were there. There would be absent and filled people to deal with today. Some would have the Spirit, and some wouldn’t. The usual suspects would have the usual questions: How far did we go? What was it like? Some would want to venture outside the city into open space. Although some info was made available when Purgatory was first conceived and built, other information seeped out through the years. To build a city in space, they had to gain knowledge to more fully understand it. Transportation and city planning were also top priorities.

"Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here. I am Resnik Clayborn. Really good to be with you all here today on Earth. I know some of you have questions. But before we get to those, I want to fill you in on some of the latest information and discoveries. Purgatory is doing well. At this time, there are no plans to build another city. However, we have talked about adding a farming facility. Many more people would like to live on Purgatory, and not everyone realizes there is a balance to living there. Early residents have become so antiseptic and isolated that they will never again physically be on Earth. Earth is polluted and full of disease. Your immune system has to work hard here. Purgatory is a clean environment. Immune systems all but shut down while in the city.

I am also here today to ascertain who would like to venture with me to Purgatory? I’m planning on making it my home base for approximately a month, a substantial visit for some of you. You’ve got about two weeks to get in shape. I know that’s not much time, but it’s better if you arrive strong. Gravity is less intense there, so upon your return, you will be heavier and feel weaker. It’s also a clean environment, and your body will not produce antibodies like they do here.

William was raising his hand. He was motivated and opportunistic, a true corporate man. He was lean with a somewhat chiseled face. He was always direct, wanting special privileges and favors. The company he represented contributed a bit of knowledge and many materials used to build Purgatory. William was always wanting more inside information on the tubes and space travel, so no doubt that was what this was going to be about.

I would like more details concerning the dynamics of the transportation used in the tubes. Assuming you still represent—

As predicted, it was a question related to the means of transport and tubes.

The founders and I still deem that particular information too potentially dangerous for others at this time. But if we can proceed, we will get into some other information instead, Resnik answered, cutting him short.

William wasn’t the only individual hunting for information and classified knowledge. Having access to understanding the technology could potentially make any company wealthy and dangerous.

Many opportunistic companies never miss out on one of Resnik’s meetings. There was a certain fascination with him, a man with humble and unimpressive beginnings, just a simple carpenter with somewhat natural abilities to work with his hands, born with average or even below average intelligence, always a little behind others (mostly because of a rare social condition—social perception disorder). He was born with no natural and normal progression of social skills. From a young age, he didn’t advance like most others socially. He had to intentionally learn what most take for granted.

He wanted to be social. He just didn’t know how. He was motivated by the desire to have friends, so he pushed himself to learn how to structure conversations, how to get along with others, what is appropriate and what’s not, and so on. So he understood when people wondered how a man like him could be involved in such an important and technological project like Purgatory.

2

Preparation

Less than two weeks before leaving; just enough time for Resnik’s traveling companions to get organized and ready for a month’s stay. Among the travelers was one of his favorite people, Leal Richards. They were actually distant cousins, sharing only a very small amount of DNA. Though looking at them together, you’d never know that fact. He had dark hair streaked with white, large brown eyes, and a somewhat slender build, while Resnik was a size larger with gray eyes and blond hair.

Leal had always been a good friend and a very helpful person. He was well versed in IT and engineering, and he had been crucial in helping Resnik’s group of travelers understand and apply complicated and new technologies. He was also someone Resnik could count on. Leal wasn’t looking for a way in in order to infiltrate the company like others had been prone to do.

So another long business trip, eh? Resnik asked him.

Yep, Leal answered just as short and quickly as was usual.

Your girls are going to be okay? Resnik asked, thinking of his wife and daughter he would be leaving behind.

Oh, yeah. My wife is stable and is getting healthier by the day. My daughter will stay with her while I am gone.

Well, I’m glad that you have decided to come. We really need you.

William had also made the trip previously and was somewhat predictable. He would want to remind me of what his company had contributed and would do so in an entitled sort of way.

Others making the trip were Summer Mcdow, Rumi Ghanem, Makan Pied, and Neko Auro, all fine, educated people. Resnik was familiar with Summer. She was a large Irish woman with a round face and overlong hair almost always tied up. She was practical, hardworking, sort of rudimentary and down to earth. We had consulted a bit in the past. Her specialty were people. She studied everything about the well-being and interaction of those on Purgatory, though this would be her first visit.

How are you, Summer? Resnik asked.

Very excited, very nervous, she said with a noticeable quiver and punch to her words.

Can I help you get ready or explain anything to better your nerves?

I think I’m ready, she said. Though I’m beginning to realize I should have started a fitness program a while back.

You will be fine. Though I am not going to lie to you. It’s a little rough coming back to Earth after you’ve been gone even a month.

Is the flight there going to be rough? she asked hesitantly.

It is a bit. But once we get past take off and Earth’s atmosphere, it’s smooth sailing and superfast.

Okay. I can deal with that I think. Thanks, Mr. Clayborn.

I know you can. And please call me Resnik.

Such a short stay on planet but so much to do and so much excitement thinking about going back to space. It was beginning to feel more like home than Earth. Resnik hoped his traveling companions get the same feeling when they got there.

Next, Resnik wanted to check in with Rumi Ghanem. He was a brown-skinned young man from Egypt. He looked the part, youthful and energetic with a college-boy haircut. Rumi was educated in America and had totally embraced the western lifestyle, including almost completely losing his Indian accent. Rumi had been vital to the city concerning artificial gravity. Once he was presented with the basics, he really embraced the concept and put it in place. That was many years ago, and he had finally decided to experience it for himself, his first trip to Purgatory.

Hello, Mr. Ghanem. How are you?

Hello, Mr. Clayborn. I think I’m going to be ready.

Please call me Resnik. Is there anything you need from me?

No, just mentally getting prepared. You can call me Rumi as well, sir. I mean, Resnik.

Yes, of course, Rumi. Well, give me a call if that changes, and good night. See you in the morning.

Good night to you. Thank you for checking in.

Next up, Makan Pied. Makan was all business and a bit anal, a small man wearing glasses and a hat, at least the several times Resnik had seen him. He dealt with water, all kinds of water-drinking water, waste water, rivers, lakes, you name it. This would be his first trip to Purgatory.

Good morning, Mr. Pied.

Good morning, Mr. Clayborn.

"Please, call me Resnik.