survival-training

This chapter depicts Catlin undergoing a rigorous and dangerous training exercise known as 'the Room,' where she must navigate a dark, hostile tunnel while being ambushed by an Enemy. Despite physical injury and fear, she perseveres, learning harsh lessons about survival, fairness, and the necessity of defeating the Enemy quickly. The Instructor evaluates her performance, emphasizing genotype-based expectations and the importance of marksmanship, while reinforcing strict rules about secrecy and conduct.

In this chapter, Wolfgang leads a group of Planetfest winners on a survival training excursion on Kallen's World, demonstrating the dangers posed by the native grape-plant and emphasizing caution. The group encounters a sudden karnoo stampede, resulting in a serious leg injury to Timko, highlighting the unpredictable hazards of the planet and the limits of Wolfgang's knowledge. The chapter ends with Wolfgang confronting Elissa about undisclosed information related to the incident.

In Chapter 22, Barry and Mark lead a group of children through the woods to teach them survival skills, highlighting the tension between adapting to the natural environment versus controlling it. The council debates the necessity and risks of training children to live in the woods, emphasizing the urgency of salvaging resources from cities to sustain their community. Mark struggles with the children's fear and resentment, feeling isolated and alienated despite his efforts to guide them, culminating in his retreat to an old farmhouse as a storm approaches.