It Could Happen Here CZM Book Club: Hermetica, by Alan Lea, Part Five
Aug 31, 2025
Dive into a profound journey of self-discovery as Days navigates through a hazy reality filled with questions about identity and existence. The struggle between individual perception and societal expectations takes center stage, especially in discussions about gender and truth. Conflicting memories lead to intriguing debates on the complexities of human identity, challenging traditional norms. Meanwhile, heartfelt anecdotes about parenting blend with philosophical musings, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that resonates across boundaries.
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Waking In A High-Tech Holding Cell
- Days wakes up disoriented in a plexi-walled holding cell with food and water delivered through a slot.
- They meet Robert across the corridor who claims ignorance about "Hermetica" and describes a rural Oregon life.
Hermetica Has Always Been On Terra
- Days concludes Hermetica never left Terra after piecing together Terran references and the curved horizon sighting.
- The revelation shatters their mission's colonization premise and reframes the entire social structure.
Robert's Secession Origin Story
- Robert claims the "Secession" fought a fake-virus coup and now runs a Christian, veteran-heavy community.
- He derides the old system and boasts their group gives asylum to "good" migrants who work hard.
