Before the Conference

On deck, Linus viewed the sea and enjoyed the atmosphere as the ship sailed to the gentle winds. As he was sick of being confined in the four walls of the office, the view of the empty horizon was a welcome change to him. Devoid of vegetation and manmade structures, the open sea made the coolness and mystique in the air more apparent. The skies and the sea were noticeably calm, while the breeze was cooler than it was a few days ago. While the change of season wasn't obvious to all, especially to those who never left the settlements, the lad could easily tell from the signs that summer had left them.

"Don't you feel cold? Why don't you come inside?" Priscilla offered, standing by the upper deck's door.

"Nope, I'm still enjoying it. I'm sick of the warm humid days in the city." Linus replied.

"You'll get sick of it soon." Priscilla remarked.