Stand Against Infinity Read Free Page A

the
carbpacks from the city?”
    “Not here,” she said. “I only make food from
scratch. The way it was meant to be.”
    “I’ll admit it sounds better than the old
packs any day.” He sat down on a chair that had conveniently been
left there for him. “How do you live out here?”
    “Mostly by hunting and with a little garden I
have on the other side of the house,” she said. “Also, my husband
works for extra supplies, but we are considering making a
change.”
    “Change?”
    “We used to live in the middle of the city,
but it was too fast for us, so we moved out here. We enjoy this
better, but we wonder sometimes if it wouldn’t be better to just go
all the way and head out to the settlements of the Outcasts.”
    “But why do such a thing?” asked Chavez. “You
would be abandoning all of society.”
    “Like you?” She pointed to his pack. “Anyway,
I think we have done that already. Only my husband works now, but
it gives him little pleasure.”
    “Pleasure?” asked Chavez. “But that isn’t why
people work, is it?”
    “Is it so bad to enjoy the work you do?”
    “I guess I had never thought of it before,”
he said.
    “Anyway,” she said, “we have not decided to
go that far yet. We might stay here after all.”
    “Where are the Outcasts?”
    “Just beyond our borders. If you keep going
the way you were, you will eventually run into them. I have met a
few over the years. They have passed through here and I have found
them friendly enough.”
    “I want to get away, I really do. That is why
I travel now, but I had not thought to go as far as the
Outcasts.”
    A man walked out of the front door of the
house. He was tall and thin. His face was worn with years of hard
working. Chavez stood and the man took his seat by the fire.
    “How do you do?” said the man.
    “Well.”
    “Are you one of those Outcasts?”
    “No,” said Chavez. “Just passing
through.”
    “Well, you are welcome to eat with us, but as
for me, I must eat and leave soon.”
    “I understand,” said Chavez. “Thank you.”
    “And when I leave,” said the husband, “I
would like you to walk with me.”
    “Yes. I can do that.”
    A few minutes later, they had finished their
stew and the husband stood up to go. Chavez did the same. “Thank
you dear,” said the husband. “I’ll see you tonight.” He bent down
and gave her a kiss, and Chavez diverted his eyes.
    “Sorry,” said the husband. “Something we
picked up from some of the Outcasts. They tend to be more free with
their affections out there.”
    The husband began heading into the city and
Chavez followed him. “I have to go to work because I’m used to
it.”
    “Okay,” said Chavez, not quite sure what else
to say.
    “But it would not be my first choice. If I
was a younger man, I would join the Outcasts.”
    “Why don’t you?” asked Chavez.
    “Because, as I’ve said. This is what I’m used
to. There’s something to be said for doing what you’re used
to.”
    “Is there?”
    “Certainly,” said the man, walking with long
lumbering steps. “It means you don’t have to worry about how you’re
going to get your next meal. It means you know what the next day
will be about. It means safety.”
    “Ah, I see,” said Chavez.
    “But if I were a younger man, I would join
the Outcasts.” The man smiled at Chavez.
    “I think I get your meaning, sir.”
    “I think you’ll do well out there. Friendly
people, the Outcasts. Always helpful. Kind to strangers.”
    “Well you have been kind to me.”
    “We’re learning,” said the man. “Those
Outcasts may take getting used to, but they’re friendly.”
    “Well, thank you, sir, for the advice,” said
Chavez.
    “Did I give you advice?”
    “Thank you sir. If you don’t mind, I think
I’ll be going the opposite direction. I have a long ways to
go.”
    “You certainly do.”
     

Chapter 8
    H662 had been working for three hours before
the new man, G1193, came in again, narrow shoulders