Theme · Book 4, The Gate of the Feral Gods

Staying human

'If we get to the point where we don't help each other anymore, that's when we stop being human.' The book's argument with itself: Carl covers the Meadow Lark signs so no one farms the elderly for experience, is told by twenty percent of a focus group that he is carrying dead weight, and cannot decide whether keeping them alive was a kindness.

Segment appearances

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Progression

'Not a person killer, at least' — Donut, opening a hole under a friend rather than let him be killed (ch. 14); Carl's shame at his own relief. Ifechi's spell that cannot be cast on herself (ch. 4); Katia's five days proving she does not need him, 'a necessary feeling' (ch. 20); Imani's rule that no one is left behind (ch. 32); Florin's 'There is something left to fight for' (ch. 33); Katia leaving to protect people nobody else will (ch. 33). Against it: 'Stop. He's not the enemy.' 'Fuck you' (ch. 31); tens of thousands drowned as a favour, and 'a distant part of me was alarmed at this attitude' (ch. 34). Juice Box: 'If he had waited, he'd still be alive.'