Chapter Two - Part 5

Savanah began to have a feel for the experience that Vernile had first described to her in years past. She sensed the peace that he spoke of, yet never understood. She Saw with her eyes shut tight, that as the ring shadows cover the insidium field core and the vibrations hit their peak, so would this increasing sense of peace.

Though her concern for her lab partners was intense and focused, her absorption into this peace was quickly overwhelming all other senses.

The sound and tactile sensation of vibrations seem to diminish but she Saw that if she did open her eyes she would never use them again. Her ears on the other hand told her of the terror and perhaps pain being experienced in the tent.

This too could not dispel the tranquility she felt within.

Savanah wondered when she would know if the event was over... then she remembered what Vernile had said, "I knew that the rings were passing the main body of the fields because of the waning of the inner peace. I sensed this even before I could See it."

She knew this would have to be the defining moment for her, because she was losing all measurement of time, it would be the only way for her to tell. She could not estimate how far into the dosing she was but could only assume that the occurrence had not yet begun to subside, for this wonderful experience was still on the increase.

Then as if a barely discernable click went off within her, she could tell that the event was ebbing. With this realization she began to weep, though still at peace, a deep sadness began to intermingle with it. Where, before she had joy, now she was experiencing terrible loss. She found herself wishing that the dosing had taken her life.

She began to envy the three in the tent and thought about running away from the outcropping to be consumed by the radiation. Then she remembered the sound of terror emanating from the tent and the tortured accounts from years ago of those who later died from their exposure.

Convulsing in her tears, she held her place and tried to hold on to her newfound peace.