Chapter 18 Summary

Sunday, August 8, 2027. Sunday is a rest day for the group, who find themselves on a beach on the outskirts of Santa Barbara. Lauren chats with some of the locals and is amazed to find people who are actually at the beach for a picnic. Lauren questions them about the area and the possibilities for jobs. They tell her that not much is available. They also mention that painted people are setting fires in the area. Lauren knows it is Pyro addicts.

Travis asks Lauren if she actually believes in her Earthseed writings. Lauren replies that she believes in every word of it. Travis does not understand how God can be defined as change, which is an idea or concept, not a personality. As they continue discussing Earthseed, Travis alludes to various theories in science. Lauren expresses surprise and asks where Travis was educated...