Part V: Castaways

PART V: The Castaway

Artemis had reached the age at which he could be matched by his skill and become a novel provider within the emotionless society. Within this "life" cycle, an adult must select a partner based on personal ideals that are more beneficial and rationally suited for their lifestyle. Artemis is unable to pair on Matching Day since his designated skill is art as to comprehend and appreciate art, one would require emotions, which this world lacks, leading Artemis to be unable to discover his partner. If no match could be established, the adult would be cast out, which would be fatal. Artemis is banished to the chopping block, better known as physical purgatory, on the outskirts of Logos alongside other adults who are unable to find a partner. The group of mismatched persons approaches a massive, dark, foreboding structure. On the inside, there is black material which mimics the building's façade. The structure of this physical purgatory is similar to that of a Roman Catholic church: seating arrangements are positioned on the building's sides, leading to an aisle which advances towards a large platform. This main podium is where the peerless adult stands for the last time before being eliminated. Adults of all ages are being flung into the sky one by one in front of Artemis' eyes. The solitude and coldness of the structure are projected onto everyone within, especially Artemis, as he sits and observes the passing people. The town's priest asks the people if they have any regrets in their lives before they depart this world. Many expressed remorse at not being capable of finding the perfect match; they must have asked for too much or were unable to fulfil someone else's requirements. Some people even regret transitioning to Logos as they miss being able to feel and experience emotions. Life without emotions causes other adults to be unable to feel anything and some to have no ultimate purpose in life otherwise. If there are no feelings, there is no emotional connection between a child and a parent as they are solely considered as a benefactor to the youngster.

What exactly would an adult benefit from raising an emotionally bonded child? They were never a true parent to a child and created no meaningful relationship between the members in a family. It was Artemis' last chance to become an economic provider for a possible spouse and child, but only because of his artistic ability. Artemis is sitting on the sidelines, doubting his capability to foster a child and be a husband to a wife. He takes a hesitant step onto the podium after waiting quietly till the head priest announced his name. Is he another another outcome of a failure in the Logos society, he wonders, having arrived in this world with no misgivings? Is he as ineffective as some claim? With a single tear sliding down his cheek, Artemis responds to the priest, "I have no regrets in my life, " before being sent away. Artemis was then shown as a figure levitating toward the roof, where the primary light shines. At 1:23 pm, Artemis was pronounced deceased due to being unable to find a match and showing emotion at his age of thirty-three.

A w o r l d s e e n t h r o u g h l o g i c .