The fear was tangible, comparable to a cold snake wrapping around the city's belly. The Convergence dream, initially just a bizarre idea, now felt like something suffocating, a silent force pulling at everyone's mind. Some people like Naomi and Lucien found logic or beauty in it and thought it was cool. Others believed it was incorrect – not against any deity, but against themselves.
They were calling themselves the Remnant. It was basically a group of ex-Taste-Guard hooligans, hardcore Heretics who believed that humans should remain separate from the god and take care of the earth themselves, instead of becoming a part of it, and ordinary people who were just terribly afraid of vanishing. Their leader was Vanc, the old garrison commander, who seemed to have pretended that he was in favor of the merger just to get in deeper.
They didn't act violently towards others. They got themselves equipped. In ancient tombs of the Ossuary District and secret tunnels, they hoarded old firearms, purified water, and seeds from the Sanctum's first mushroom stocks – the ones that were not genetically modified. They were planning to run away, to separate. They spoke about going beyond the world, to the tough sides or icy summit of the god's head, and starting a new human race.
Joan Rhodes didn't learn about it through her arm that was connected to the network, which only sensed the peaceful, green dream, but she was informed by old army buddies, the new guard that she had helped train, and their whispers. The Remnant believed that she was a double agent: first, to the Chain, and now, to humans.
She informed the Stewards. The atmosphere was very serious. This was not merely a difference in opinion; it could separate the characters and therefore, tear the fragile thing they had spent a year mending apart.
We cannot force them to remain, Bianca said, looking pale. Forcing them is what the Cult did. That is what the Convergence might feel like to them. It would only confirm their fear.
However, Naomi was saying, if they leave, they will take the knowledge and things along with them. And they will become enemies, a bunch of old hunger, lurking around. What if they decide that the only way to be 'human' is by starting to eat somewhere else?
Maxine reviewed the data. The Remnants' plan is very likely to fail due to insufficient supplies. Nevertheless, their decision to remain separate will cause problems. They are like a virus that refuses to disappear.
So we should kill them? Lucien asked, stunned.
No, Maxine answered. We give them a genuine choice. Not the pretended one that the Cult gave. We provide them with what they need in order to leave and tell them what they are leaving behind. And we make them understand that once they leave, they cannot return.
It was a harsh form of compassion: handing the frightened child a knife and showing them the dark outside.
Joan was the one to inform them. She went alone, only with her cane and her crystal hand, to a meeting in a damp, echoing tunnel. Vanc and his people were waiting, looking tough in the light of some old glowing algae.
You know, Joan said.
We know you know, Vanc said. What are you going to do? Send the fungus to eat us? Have your witch-daughter sing us to sleep?
I'm here to give you the permission, Joan said, her voice echoing. Along with it, some stuff. A way to the Frigid Cap, the hard scalp. It's not easy, but you can survive there. You can take seeds, tools, medicine. We won't stand in your way.
The Remnant looked at each other in disbelief.
Why?
Because the dream has to include everyone, otherwise, it's not real, Joan said. But you must have the choice. You will be there alone. Absolutely alone. The network won't extend there. The god won't be dreaming there. There won't be any whispers, nor pulls, nor shared warmth. Just the old silence. The one that made our ancestors cut themselves off initially. You are choosing the world before, without any of the advantages. You are choosing the original need.
She watched their terror escalate by turning into the terrible thought of what they were really asking for. They had identified themselves as being against the Convergence. However, if there is nothing to be against, then who are they? Simply hungry, lonely people in the dark, doing the first mistake over again.
Vanc looked at his hands and then at Joan's artificial one, which was shining with the network's pulse. He didn't see the bad guys' tool, but a belonging.
Go, Joan said, affectionately. Or stay. It's your decision. And if you depart, go in good spirits. And if you come back… the door will still be open. But things will have changed inside.
She left them with their provisions and frightening liberty in the tunnel.
A week later, Vanc showed up at the Stewards alone. He didn't mention departure. He sought a position on the new water pipe out east. He didn't bring up the Remnant. The group that confronted the truth of their desires, thus, disbanded silently, its members only returning to their lives in the city, harboring their fear like a dormant seed.
The very first attempt to reject the dream didn't culminate in a battle but in a silent surrender. Being embraced was still frightening. Nonetheless, the other option was an old cold they now recalled and couldn't bear anymore.