Night had fallen or what could be called night in June this far north. But it was the best it was going to be for safe and hidden travel. Through the dim lit corridor, the wind pushed its ever-present dry and cold bite. To the right, the privileged could be seen emerging to practice their Uitwaaien in the wind. Moving with frigid purpose to reach some form of ecstasy of skin and sin.

In the distance, the low hum of the machinery cast a pall through the air. Not long now Cubic 6 thought. It was reported that several people on the outskirts had begun to feel the pull of the water gravity. During a rare moment of reality, you could even feel the pull in your toes. But reality was mostly frowned upon now. The more transparency the better you are going to be.

Cubic’s and Cubit’s darted from the buildings seeking home and escape. Cubic 6 hung back to try to gauge the mood of everyone. There was tension everywhere. People aren’t stupid. After 500 years they knew what was coming. They just needed permission to say it out loud. They are waiting for someone else to say it first in order to completely let go. The religious fanatics and the Uitwaaien were of course oblivious to the reality and each for their own reasons, neither of which was Transparency. The religious wanted the end, for them it was the beginning. The Uitwaaien on the other hand, simply had the conviction through years of brainwashing, that they would be safe in their prepaid and prepared bunkers at the pole. Not that anyone gave a shit. They all were a bunch of prats to begin with.

It would be a long trudge home tonight with the wind kicking up the dust. Hopefully, a Reindeer will appear to light the way Cubic 6 thought. And just like that there it was, emerging from the shadows. A beast of a Reindeer, easily 17 feet tall with antlers adding a further 8. Antlers glowing the same soft blue light seen on the Water Eaters. I don’t I’ve ever seen one so large, beautiful Cubic 6 said allowed.

Placing his hand on the chest of the Reindeer Cubic 6 pictured his home in his head. The Reindeer tilted its head in understanding and began walking towards his home. Cubic stepped under the animal and gently grabbed a tuft of hair while simultaneously taking his last Transparency.

It was a good hours walk home tonight with the wind and cold it would seem like two. Past greyed shop windows, closed shutters, and the occasional refuse being blown about. The only constant was dryness. In every nook and cranny, dry. The walk was mostly uphill, but it was worth it for the view.

To the south, nothing but black with thin veins of blue could be seen blocking out the stars. Even with the Ivvavik mountains between us and the Water Eaters, they were dwarfed in size. Tonight, the Water Eaters could reach space for the first time. If they fall, they will reach all remaining humans with gravity.