One theory explaining the epidemic is that what is happening is specific to the cultures of the afflicted children, that it is the body hacking the mind or the mind hacking the body or both. Some physiological mystery. But a quick scan of medical documentation from each of those countries—whether the Babylonian Republic or Australia—shows no widespread occurrence of these symptoms. There is no indication in these lands of origin that this is a problem. Not a Babylonian problem, not an Australian problem, not a specifically Pacific problem, not an indigenous American problem.

Another theory, related to the first, is that the affected children were raised in cultures that prioritized community over the individual. These children, this theory says, are sacrificing themselves for their families. By now, it has been concluded that the majority of cases are from families that have received deportation notices. The children are literally throwing their bodies on the gears of an immigration machine bent on getting rid of them.

“The solution is simple-ah,” Céline says from the other end of their connection. Ify has activated the camera function in her Whistle, and Céline’s face hovers in holographic projection next to hers so it looks as though they are both watching the anti-government demonstration below. At first, it looks as though there are only hundreds in the streets of Alabast’s main city, maglev cars ascending into higher levels of traffic to fly over them. But if Ify cranes her neck, she can see that the protesters may perhaps number in the thousands. Even in the distance, banners are being waved by people sitting on the shoulders of taller marchers. It is perhaps the sound-canceling coating of her walls that muffles the chanting and the singing, disguising their true volume. “Cancel the deportation orders.”

Ify knows that her friend is trying to adopt a joking tone, but an electric current of concern runs through her words. And fatigue? “It’s not that simple,” Ify catches herself saying, and she knows it’s just another meaningless jumble of words, a sentence that people say to keep progress from happening or to keep from having to explain why a good thing can’t be done. Is this a medical issue or a political issue? She is a doctor. She is not trained in the workings of government. “I am not a politician-oh.”