Summary

At the bar, the protagonist finds himself sitting next to a married couple named Jack and Dolly Cameron. They say that they are in town for a tour organized by Lucky Aberdeen for people interested in moving to town. Jack and Dolly are attracted by the town’s affordable real estate, general racial homogeneity, and increasing economic opportunities. Jack expresses his support for New Prospera, the town name suggested by Lucky and originally created by the protagonist’s old firm. The protagonist briefly thinks about Apex, a brand of adhesive bandage that he had named while working for the firm. He then thinks about the name New Prospera and its general disconnection from history and associations in general. That evening, the protagonist goes to sleep in his hotel room. In the morning, he receives word that the town council has agreed to all of...