Chapter 24
The Others In which we meet a patent attorney who is changing jobs. “Look, I know there aren’t patents any more. I know there isn’t work for a patent attorney. That’s beside the point. I know patents and I know … Read more
Chapter 23
At Work In which Niall works with Jerome and a truck named Bart and finds out how to make oil. Loading the bundles of branches, small logs, and twigs did rapidly get tedious but by the time he had the … Read more
Chapter 22
Adjustments In which we see how various people have adjusted to the change. —————- January 18, 2013 ————— “Damn potholes! They’re all over the place. What did they make these streets out of anyway, Graham Crackers? They crumble the first … Read more
Chapter 21
Applying for Work In which Enid finds something for Niall to do. Niall was rather looking forward to his next encounter with Enid. She’d taken his mind quite off the threat posed by the computer system. But whenever he went … Read more
Chapter 20
Takeover In which control of the computer system is seized. ———— Saturday, January 19, 2013 ————– In the twilight of a machine room control center, a computer system administrator is on the phone to one of her colleagues. “Well, it’s … Read more
Chapter 19
Job Search In which Niall meets Enid and discovers maybe he doesn’t want a job after all. Niall changed into a little more formal clothes and wore his good shoes. He figured that he would treat it like a job … Read more
Chapter 18
Reactions to Change In which we meet quite a few people coping with the transition and something sinister is found. ———- Ft. Hood, Texas 09:00 Tuesday, January 1, 2013. ——– “Mr. Secretary, I have the first report on the little … Read more
Chapter 17
Neighbors In which Neill goes to the emergency room, sets up housekeeping, and Jeeves gives advice. Niall had spent the day with Brianna and the children. John had presented his paper on why a wealthy man might give up that … Read more
Chapter 16
Invasion In which the U.S. is invaded from Mexico. (Illegal immigration, sort of.) – – – – – -6:00 pm, Monday, December 31, 2012 – – – – – — – “Anybody who hasn’t made food arrangements for supper yet? … Read more
Chapter 15
Reputation In which Niall reveals something in order to rent a house, insults Sam, and explores his own guilt. Sam turned to Niall and said, “Don’t worry, there’s several more places. Will is just a little more particular than most.” … Read more