“My people,” he cries, “this is a tremendous day.”

The crowd grows quiet, faces turned expectantly towards the Director.

“Today the first fortunate Cerel families will be travelling to the Caucasas, to the land of plenty and opportunity, to start a new life.” He surveys the crowd with gleaming eyes. “Out of the generosity of my heart, I am prepared to send any Cerels who wish to go to this wonderful new region as settlers. Free transports will be leaving the city every day from now. We wish the first settlers all the best in this exciting new venture. My people,” the Director shouts, “raise up your voices!”

I’m nearly blown over as all around me the crowd erupts in cheers and claps and screams like a mighty burst of wind. Bright faces are turned up to the Director. A spasm of fear runs through me. How has this happened so quickly? Don’t people know what’s really happening? Bit is pale, shaking his head. I can’t stand any more, and start to push my way back out of the crowd. But then a piercing voice stops me in my tracks.

“Wait! Our people, please listen–”

Oh the gods, it’s Jorzy, hauling himself up onto the side of the transport. Faces swivel towards him.

“Listen to me,” he shouts, “it’s a trick. There’s nothing in the Caucasas, nothing but barren land! You are being lured into a trap! There won’t be any shelter for you out there; there’ll be no food, no water. The Director just wants to get rid of you, like vermin. He wants to rid the city of Cerels–”

A bewildered murmur runs through the crowd. Somebody boos. The Director has already climbed down from the platform and is quickly getting into his black automobile on the other side of the gates. Three Black Marks are pushing their way towards the transport. People are beginning to mill about like lost cattle. A woman cries out as she’s shoved and trampled.

Jorzy faces them with white fury in his face. “You are being sent to your deaths, my people!” he screams. “You mustn’t go! There is nothing in the Caucasas. Stay here and fight! Stay here and fight for your freedom!”

“You’ve already got good jobs,” a large Travester man calls out, “what more d’you want?”

This is greeted by scattered laughter.

Now Jorzy, pale and taut, is appealing to the Cerels closest to him. “Don’t you see it’s a trick? What will you do when you get there? Have you been given seed to plant crops? Have you been given supplies for the long winter ahead?”

Several women in the crowd look at each other and shake their heads. The Black Marks have nearly reached the transport. Still Jorzy keeps on.

“Where will you live? Are there villages? Houses? How will your children survive the long Caucasas winters?”