A few people gasp and others ask questions about what they should expect.

Alex answers as best as he can and explains that they can watch the news themselves in the TV room.

"So, it sounds like we need to fill the jobs. Is there anything else that you've discovered that we urgently need to know?"

"You should have everyone memorize at least the symbols for danger and one way doors if they're going to go outside. The mall seems to be safe."

"Those are the main things. We also have working phones there's a bunch of them but we left most of them in the store where we found them and it's a long trip. I'll leave one with you here and when we get around to getting more we'll try to pick up some more for your group."

"And then if you have any more questions, or if anything comes up you can call us."

"If you need someone to be an ambassador between you and the other Green section residents we can probably so that too."

"Thanks, we appreciate it."

"So, onto the next section?" asks Emily turning to the others of their exploration group."

"Sure."

"Okay."

The other two nod affirmatively.

"If we're keeping to our pattern Red is next."

"I have no strong opinions about it, so that's fine. Hopefully there won't be another mess like the last one."

"Here's hoping."

The next lounge is back to being orderly. It has the expected red highlights and a small group of people. An asian woman is talking as the elevator doors open. "That should work..." She trails off and looks over. "Well that's another item off the agenda then. Hello."

"Hi there. I'm Linda. Are you making plans? Want to compare notes?"

"I'm Jade", she elbows Dave who introduces himself.

"I'm Alice. Our plans are kinda provisional at the moment. We're trying to find the next clues in the scavenger hunt, secure any important resources, and build privacy barriers for the bathroom."

"There's a scavenger hunt? Oh, I'm Emily."

"Alex, I'm also curious about the scavenger hunt thing."

"That's the shorthand we've been using. In the hub of the mall, there are these six cryptic phrases that seem to make reference to something. The one for Red is 'In the quiet between the trees.' We think that means some sort of clearing in a forest or a grove of trees but we haven't found anything more specific yet. I'm kinda assuming you're from another section. Which color if so?"

"That's exciting. We're from the black section. Do you know what our phrase was?"

"Do you have a list of all of them somewhere? We're trying to get in touch with all the sections and you're the third we've visited."

"Sure, The one for Black was 'Walking among times now past.' I haven't put much thought into what it might mean. White was 'Deep below at river's end.' Blue is 'At the top of the tower.' Green is 'Behind, below, and above the water.' And finally Yellow's hint is 'Seek to learn.'"