Atxi decided she would return to the classes. She wanted to learn how to read the local writing. She wanted to learn a lot of things.
Some things she was specifically against learning.
Atxi had settled at one of the public picnic tables; and spent most of her night asking her little device questions, and getting answers. It was oddly exciting, just having all that information come so easily.
She had been so involved, that when Irsu sat down across from her at the table, she didn’t notice him at first. When she did, she jumped. “Oh.” She said, embarrassed at how easily she’d been caught. “I was coming back. I… don’t really have anywhere else yet.”
Irsu smiled a bit. “That’ll change. You’ve only been here a few days. It’s a lot to process. My job isn’t to convince you, it’s to welcome you. But I figured you might be… worried, or unsettled; and I wanted to help you get past that stage.”
Atxi nodded. “I’ve traveled more in the last day than I did in my whole life before.” She admitted. “This little device says that it’s barely a drop of how big the world really is.”
“Travel is good for you, Atxi. Gives you perspective. My advice, look at the world. I mean really look at it. The graveyards are getting smaller, and the gardens are getting larger. Name one time in history where that has been true.”
Atxi bit her lip. “I can’t.”
“You and I grew up in a world where the dead outnumbered the living. We now live in a world where the reverse will be true. Where kindness will be universal instead of the exception. A place where there are no wars, and no weapons to fight with anyway. I know it’s asking you to take an enormous leap, but it’s a very wonderful life. If you can make that leap, you can live forever and never fear anything. Does this sound like a bad offer?”
“No. But I don’t-”
“I know.” Irsu shushed her gently. “But in a month, a year, a decade, you might feel differently. Take it from a guy born in Ancient Egypt. Everything in this world is made better by time.”
Atxi set her jaw. “I saw him, Irsu. The last time I saw him, he was standing over me with an obsidian dagger, chanting his loyalty to Huitzilopochtli, and now he’s here; lecturing children so earnestly on how your God is the only true one.”
“Did you tell him that?”
“I didn’t have the nerve to talk to him. If I tried I might have attacked someone.” Atxi said darkly. She didn’t shout. She didn’t thrash about or punch at anything. Her voice was low and icy and full of loathing. “How dare he? He can pick up a new truth so easily. The Shaman do the praying, and the soldiers do the killing, and people like me do the dying; and all in the Name of The Gods!” She clenched her fist so tight she felt her palms bleed. “I hate them all, Irsu. I know that’s not what you want to hear, and I don’t doubt you’re as earnest and faithful as I was when I begged the gods to find my still-beating heart an acceptable snack.” Tears were rolling hotly down her face. “And I don’t know who God is anymore, but I hope He hates them as much as I do.”
Irsu looked at her, his expression was naked pity. He looked so openly crushed that she almost wanted to hug the seven foot man, the way she’d cradled the toddlers in her old life.
“I didn’t tell Kasumi I was going. I’ll call her now.” Atxi nodded and walked off, grateful to change the subject.
But she couldn’t help but glance back. Irsu was the first face she’d seen since Huitzilin and he’d been nothing but gentle and kind to her. She didn’t wish to hurt anyone, or even offend his beliefs. But she was never going to sort out her faith by doing what Huitzilin had done.
Irsu was still there, head bowed. Atxi knew instantly that he was praying for her. She wasn’t sure whether to be grateful, or outraged.
~oo00oo~
Walter left the Dorms early, and went to look for breakfast. Traditionally, he started his day before dawn, to get a jump on the news, paperwork… It took him several minutes to remember that he wasn’t employed any longer.
Walter realized he was excited. The Dorms were clearly the landing spot for Newcomers. Actually getting your life started didn’t begin until you took control of things. It was why he had tried to find his assets right away. If he had to start with lodging over fortune, so be it. He had time for both.
When he went to the tables, there was no food set out yet. He made his way toward the kitchen, knowing that the bakers and chefs were usually up earlier. There’d surely be someone to take his breakfast order.
He was right, but the atmosphere in the kitchen was very relaxed. There were people kneading and shaping breads and pastries; slicing fruit and squeezing fresh juice. There was a strong smell of freshly baked bread, and freshly brewed coffee.
“Morning.” Someone said when they saw Walter come in. “You’re up early. You a baker yourself?”
“I am not.” Walter said politely. “But I am something of an early riser. I was wondering where a person could get some breakfast.”
“It hasn’t been taken out yet, but there’s plenty on the platters already. Help yourself.” The woman gestured over to the larger countertops. “You need anything, call out. I’m Layla.”
Walter did so, finding the trolleys piled high with food, waiting to be served. Not everything. The eggs were still being prepared, the toast hadn’t been toasted. But there were fresh pastries, plenty of fruits, and the coffee was freshly percolating. The smell of cinnamon was so sharp that he felt his stomach roar; and he took more than he needed.
When Walter went outside to the Plaza, it wasn’t as cold as he thought it would be. He chose a spot that gave him a view of the doors, and began examining the pastry he was eating. It was light and warm and soft; but the flakes didn’t stick to his fingers. A five star kitchen would be hard pressed to put this together in huge quantity.
The Centre was built in a flat U-shape, so he had his back to the dawn as it started. Walter didn’t turn to look, but noticed suddenly that he wasn’t alone.
“I remember I always got up before dawn when I was little.” Layla said, facing the opposite direction, enjoying the sunrise. “When I got older, I was less and less excited at the idea of starting another day and started sleeping in. The world now is more or less in two camps. The people who want to see the start of every new day, and the people who luxuriate in the fact that there’s no rush to get up.”
Walter was still focused on his Device, and didn’t answer. She didn’t press him; and they sat that way. Her facing the sunrise, he with his back to it.
“You can take that in there, when you’re done.” Layla said politely, and promptly did the same, taking her tray with her, back into the kitchens.
Walter finished off his plate and cast about for a busboy. There wasn’t one, but the dawn was only just ending, so he imagined it was early for the minimum wage types to be on hand for their jobs.
He took his tray back into the kitchen, where the spread for the morning meal was now assembled, being carried out to the large serving table in the Dormitory Garden. Layla saw him coming in and waved him over to join her at the sink. She had a scrubbing brush held out to him by the time he reached her.
“No, I won’t be doing that.” Walter said with an outright laugh.
“Why not?” Layla challenged. “You get served a free meal, the least you can do is clean up after yourself. It’s a nice thing to do for the people who have been up for three hours baking fresh rolls.”
“I am not a dishwasher.” Walter said pointedly.
“We all are. The work gets done when it’s needed.”
“Seems like good sense to me. Contact me when there’s something for me to do.” Walter said politely, and left the kitchen; shaking his head at her foolishness.
~oo00oo~
James had been afraid to leave the bridge of his new ship, which he could tell was more of a Private Yacht. Karen’s comment about the ‘safety feature’ rang true. This ship barely needed anyone at the helm.
James had to take inventory. He was a pirate. He knew how to avoid the attention of authorities… except he hadn’t seen any since waking up.
He knew how to escape chains and prison walls… except nobody was trying to keep him trapped.
He knew how to provide for himself and quietly procure supplies… except nobody was denying him anything he clearly needed.
He knew how to hijack a ship… except one had been provided for him as a gift.
~oo00oo~
David arrived at breakfast with the rest of the Dorm. Walter was eager to get started, but David assured him there was nothing to be done until after breakfast. Walter, expecting a real estate office, or other such amenity, agreed that business hours were best.
After breakfast was Morning Worship. A man that Walter hadn’t been introduced to lead the service. It was relatively simple. He stood up and read a scripture, then gave commentary on it.
The speaker called for someone to read the scripture. Walter had a Bible put in his hand, open to the correct page; and it came so quick he didn’t even see who gave it to him.
“Proverbs 16:3 says: ‘Commit to Jehovah whatever you do, and your plans will succeed’.” The speaker declared. “Today, more than at any point in history, we have proof of this scripture. But even when times were at their worst, none of Jehovah’s prophecies or promises failed to come to pass. Not one. Jehovah cannot fail. If it was possible to defeat his plans, then he wouldn’t be God. Today, everyone is making their plans for eternal life. Those plans are many and varied, and as diverse as the people we meet here. But we remind each other, and ourselves, to make our plans according to Jehovah’s purposes, because as long as we commit to Him, our plans will succeed. Not because of his blessing, but because His are the only plans that are guaranteed to work.”
“You don’t agree, do you?” David asked Walter quietly.
“No.” Walter admitted. “I get the idea, and it sounds like sound logic, at least for a religion. But I’ve discovered that a person’s success is measured by their will to keep going, regardless of what others think..”
“Even if they are in the wrong?”
“Right and wrong are measured by success.” Walter told him. “A million people tell you that you can’t do something, and then you do it, you’ve proven yourself to be right.”
David gave him that look again, though less so than usual, before he answered. “Once we’re done with breakfast, I’ll show you how people get a new home constructed.”
~oo00oo~
David had a car. The model was unlike anything Walter had seen before. There was no manufacturing label, and the top was open. There was room for about six people, and as David drove, with Walter in the passenger seat, they passed several people, walking in the same direction. David pulled over for all of them; and the vehicle was full by the time they reached their destination. Walter very carefully said nothing to picking up hitchhikers; hoping David knew them all. They were all carrying tools or baskets.
The construction site was in an open space; well back from the road. Walter hadn’t seen any high-capacity construction yet, and wondered if the whole world was these little towns now. There was a good hectare or two of open land around the half-built house, which was a modest family size.
As David pulled the car to a halt, everyone climbed out and got right to work. Those with baskets were unpacking food, those with tools were heading inside to get started. There was no debate, no loitering. Everyone was happy to see each other, knew each other by name...
Another vehicle pulled up, and the driver opened the trunk, to reveal a collection of handheld tools. Walter didn’t see a line forming, but they were passed out in seconds, and work began almost instantly. Nobody blew a whistle, or punched a clock. They just showed up and got to work.
David led him into the half-finished house. One room was more or less done, though unfurnished. In this room was a man with a larger Device, and a woman with a happy smile on her face. “Walter, this is Danny. He’s our Site Manager, so to speak; and this is Hannah, our host. It’s her house we’re building.”
“We are?” Walter repeated.
“We are.” David blew past that. “Danny, Walter is new here. Can you show him a bit about how it works?”
Danny held out his device. There was a 3D model of the house they were in. “Most people have never had the chance to design and build their own home. I work with them like a police sketch artist, working out things they care about, things they’re interested in, how to improve their ideas and make them realistic…”
“That’s design, how does the house get built?” Walter asked. “I mean, where do these builders come from?”
“Oh, this is the congregation.” Hannah put in blithely.
Walter blinked. “I’m sorry?”
“Once we sort out the design, we put up the locations and dates on the local congregation notice boards. All the congregations in the area find out who needs something built or repaired; and people show up.”
“Must offer them pretty good rates.” Walter commented, looking around the house. “But you’re fairly lax in your timekeeping. I assume you pay by the day instead of the hour.”
“They’re volunteers.” Danny said, not looking away from the design.
“What?!” Walter stared at him, trying to decide if he’d misheard. He looked to Hannah. “You’re getting your house built by amateurs.”
“Oh, we’re trained. We have on-the-job training in every field. Remember, a lot of these people are still experimenting with their own home designs, or making changes to the places they have.”
“Plus, if there’s something put together wrong, they catch it.” Hannah nodded. “Those with degrees and professional qualifications inspect every site; make sure everyone knows what they’re doing; make sure it’s all being done safely.”
“And Hannah is one of those people, too. She’s been checking the wiring on over a dozen properties in the Region. She’s finished her regional tour with the Building Committee, which means her own home just became a priority.” David put in. “And speaking of, where would you like to start?”
“Start.” Walter repeated, trying to comprehend that.
“Yup. Electrical, or plumbing? You’ll need both if you want to help; and it’ll be wise to have some practice under your belt when you build your own place.”
Walter just looked at him. “You’re funny.” He said flatly.
“Do a good job this morning, and I’ll spend the afternoon helping you design your own place, for when your turn comes up.”
“Walter, you asked how a person got their own home. This is how.” David told him lightly. “Everyone helps us build our own place, we help each other in return.”
“David.” Walter said plainly. “When a predominant man is presented with plumbing, the only skills he needs to master is how to turn a tap, or flush. I had both those skills sorted some time ago. Manual Labor is not what I do. You understand, I’m sure.”
David was already strapping on a toolbelt. “Well, that’s up to you, Walter. Me? I’m going to help my friend get a home.”
~oo00oo~
People kept arriving for over an hour, and nobody was leaving. Walter wasn’t about to hike all the way back to the Dormitory, and he had nothing to do there. David hadn’t been joking, it was clear, but Walter wasn’t about to grab a hammer. He wouldn’t know which end to hold anyway.
But he took the opportunity to observe. Walter had been on construction sites before, as an Assessor, or as an investor, being shown what his money was getting. This worksite was different. Everyone was chatting eagerly, there were kids helping out; and it took him a moment to notice that nobody was using profanity, which had to be a first for a construction site.
Once it became clear that Walter had no intention of helping out, he’d been handed a jug of fruit juice, and he made the rounds, providing refreshments to workers. He’d accepted that because it gave him a closer look at what everyone was doing, and let him speak to a few people. There were people being instructed in how to handle electrical wiring, how to lay and seal pipes together, how to tell a load-bearing wall, or how to use a power-tool properly…
It was as much training as construction, but they were getting through it so fast Walter was in disbelief. He was watching the house come together almost as quickly as he could move between rooms.
“Where are we at?” Hannah asked the room as Walter brought the jug.
Danny checked his Device. “We’re short of gravel. We need some more to mix up the amount of concrete we need. There’s no point starting on that until we’ve got it. The cement has to be poured in one complete piece.”
“Agreed.” Hannah nodded. “Also, someone sent us way too much topsoil. There’s no use for it here; and if we don’t lay it somewhere, it’ll all get trod into the ground or blow away. Twelve tons worth.”
“Twelve tons?!”
“A truck got sent to the wrong site. It was loaded up, and dropped its cargo before anyone sorted the mistake.”
“We’ll work it out.” Danny said with certainty. “People are building all over the place.”
~oo00oo~
“What about people like me?” Walter asked Hitch quietly at one point. “I don’t qualify, because I’m not one of your Congregation.”
“Not yet.” Hitch sipped the drink Walter had brought, wiping sweat from his brow. “Back in OS, by the end, disaster relief had become a major part of the Organization’s work. You weren’t there for the last few years, but there was just one place after another being demolished by earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires… Day after day. The Building Committees went global, restoring places of worship, restoring homes… You’re right; we prioritized our people first, but we didn’t turn away anyone in need. We helped everyone we could back then.” He handed the cup back. “Your place? It’ll come. But right now, it’s-”
“Low priority?” Walter said archly. “Do you have any idea who I am?”
“The only man here who refuses to help lift a pre-fab wall?”
“I don’t ‘lift’.” Walter said plainly. “For all your talk about ‘everyone being equal’ and nobody being ‘above others’, it took me less than a day to find your own ‘class distinction’.” Vindicated, Walter turned to go, chin up.
Hitch caught him by the shoulder. “Walter, this world has an Authority. Like any government, it has responsibilities to its citizens, it has opportunities for newcomers, and it gives blessings and rewards. You’re asking for all of the benefits, and none of the responsibility. For all your talk about how ‘this world can’t work’, you still want it to work for you, and ask nothing in return.” He shrugged impishly. “Did it take a day to spot our hypocrisy, or yours?”
Walter said nothing to that.
~oo00oo~
After a few hours, Hannah let out a loud whistle, and called everyone together for lunch. David prayed over the table of food, which was typically varied and enough to feed an army.
Hannah had taken the opportunity to thank everyone for their effort, and express her gratitude. Walter listened to her do it. He’d organized construction before, and never been so personal in his thanks to the contractors.
Walter had slowly approached the table, and someone put a plate into his hands before he even joined those sitting down. There was a huge spread. He took a few bits of everything. The only other place he’d eaten since arriving was the Cafeteria, and it suddenly hit him. “No meat dishes.” He observed aloud to David, though Walter noticed the comment drew some attention. “Did I say something wrong?”
David shook his head. “No, but asking about the meat sort of ‘outed’ you as being new. It’s the sort of thing most people observe on day one.”
“So Vegetarian Food is the norm.” Walter surmised. “How ghastly.”
“I’ve heard that from several Returnees.” David chuckled. “I don’t believe I’ve ever eaten meat before. Proverbs 15:17 says ‘Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a manger-fed bull and hatred along with it’.”
“But what if I wanted a Prime Rib anyway?” Walter asked, already mourning the Michelin Star Diet he’d always had.
“More than love?” David asked, surprised by the question.
“Sure, why not?”
David just looked at him. “You realize that you just said that out loud, right?”
Walter said nothing to that, and everyone ate for a few minutes. There was nobody arguing, no pushing for a better seat... “You know, I have to admit, the people here work faster and better than any contractors I’ve ever hired.” Walter said finally to those seated around him. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
“No, I’m sure.” Danny said. “I was part of the RBC, back in OS.”
Walter nodded, though he had no idea what any of those things were. He was about to say something more when a large truck rolled up. “Hey there!” The driver called. “I’m coming from a Restoration project on the far side of Roma. I was told to ask around the Building Sites on my way to the depot; see if anyone has any topsoil.”
Hannah sent a look to Danny. “Did you...?”
“No, I didn’t call anyone.” Danny said with a wide grin before he called back to the driver. “How much you need?”
“About twelve tons worth.” The Driver called back.
Hannah laughed like it was the funniest thing she’d ever heard and rose from the table. “Bring the truck. We can hook you up.”
“On the way back. I’ve gotta take this truck back to the depot first, drop off the load.”
“What are you hauling?” Danny called.
“Gravel. We’ve been emptying out an old mine; and need to get it somewhere useful.”
~oo00oo~
“You know I’m not believing any of it, right?” Walter scorned once the swap was done. “Seriously, that’s the most blatant setup I’ve ever seen. You had to have called him.”
“I did not.” Hannah promised. “I have my Bible handy if you want me to swear on it.”
“Walter, back in OS, these kinds of ‘little miracles’ took place all the time during construction of Bethels, Convention Halls…” David shrugged. “The whole world is running this way now.”
“I don’t buy it. God being generous, I get that. But the work you’re doing is so inefficient.” Walter said pointedly. “I mean, look at the site! If you built a full subdivision here, you could get a hundred homes built a lot faster than just one at a time on acre allotments. Can you even get these people together in any kind of regular way?”
“You are new here, aren’t you?” Danny said with a wry grin. “The reason we don’t build whole communities before the people arrive, is because we all design and build our own homes now. Everyone has a different dream home. Doesn’t work for mass production”
Walter stared. “You custom-build every home for every person who joins your church, with volunteer labor, and you don’t charge them for any of it?”
Half a dozen people had their devices and Bibles out already, all of them showing him the same verse. “Isaiah 65: 21,22: ‘They will build houses and live in them, and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. They will not build for someone else to inhabit, nor will they plant for others to eat’.”
“If it’s part of prophecy, how can we charge money for it? You can’t demand payment for what God promises to give.”
“And what better way to make people feel at home, than to give them a home they can feel at home in?” David added. “How can you feel like a place is yours if it’s designed for a hundred other people?”
“It can’t work.” Walter declared instantly. “You just cannot succeed like that. It’s impossible.”
“Why?” The man asked, enjoying this.
“Because if people can have any place they want, they’d all choose a palace, and get one for free.”
Danny gestured at the day’s work. “We aren’t building a palace today. In fact, I’ve never built one. There are the Teaching Centres, and the Convention Halls, but those are spaces for thousands of people. Beyond that…”
Walter looked back at the newly built house. “I guess I just assumed Hannah couldn’t afford…” He trailed off, trying to process this.
“Couldn’t afford something bigger? She didn’t pay anything. A dwelling is part of the ‘guarantees’ list, like food, and clothing, and safety. Nobody charges for these things, because they’re basic needs.”
Walter turned to Hannah. “So why didn’t you go for a third level? A bigger garage?”
“Why would I need one?” Hannah asked, her tone suggesting the logic was simplicity itself.
“And what about me?” Walter countered. “Assuming I… qualify: What if I wanted a palace?”
“It’d take a lot longer to get it finished, and be a lot harder to maintain. Besides, some people insist on a small cabin, or even a Yurt, so it all balances out in the end.”
“You don’t offer maintenance?”
“You saw the Hall, we all do our part for the common areas. Why not take care of our own places ourselves? We’re all trained how. It’s how we can help build homes for the newcomers.”
There was a lull in the conversation as another platter of food was put in front of them, and everyone ate. David brought a cake over, and sat down.
“That cake is excellent.” Walter tried again, from a different angle. “Better than five star.”
“And that’s from a man who ate a lot of five star food.” David put in to the table at large. “The sister who made it will be glad to know you think so.”
“I did less work than anyone else here.” Walter challenged. “I haven’t taken any of your classes, nor do I plan to. But nobody pays for this food. So aren’t I cheating you out of the feast you earned? If this is all gratuity, shouldn’t you be sending me away from this table right now? I’m eating as much as you guys, and haven’t produced half the results.”
“Have another piece of cake.” David said easily.
Walter rolled his eyes. “You can’t possibly expect to succeed like this.” Everyone in earshot was smiling, trying to hold back outright laughter. “Will someone please explain the joke?!”
“Walter, you keep saying ‘we can’t succeed’.” David explained. “The reason we’re all finding that amusing is because we are succeeding. Just being here is the Prize. We, all of us, consider this the ultimate ‘win’ that a person can get.”
“I’m here.” Walter pointed out. “There’s more to it than just showing up, surely?”
“You mentioned this site seems odd.” Hitch put in. “For people who worked on the Regional Building Committee back in the Old Days, this is actually the more familiar stuff. Food’s a little better, and the workers are in far better health, but back in the day, they did this at every ‘work day’ around the world.”
Walter looked around again. “It’s hard to imagine people working like this… back then.”
“But not here?” David asked with a smile. “Are you saying there may be something different about this world?”
Walter’s face hardened at the slip. Keep your guard up, Walter. This place is smarter than you think.
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