Excerpts from Chapter VIII of "Levels" - Decisions

"Please tell me you're just a bad dream." (Page 215)

I honestly believe that he did not fully comprehend the significance of this event. No one attempted to console him. (Page 217)

To be given the option of refusing a Revered One's offer was unheard of. We were stunned. (Page 218)

"I'm going to pack and go to the Place of Knowledge to inform the white-robed Revered One that I am prepared for transport." (Page 219)

"Watch out! There's something seeping out of the surface." (Page 221)

...if the Revered One had arrived any later, we would probably all have shared Cecil's fate. (Page 223)

"Did you hear how he said hello? It came out very slowly and sounded slightly odd, as though he might not be comfortable speaking our language." (Page 225)

There were no inhabitants wandering about, at least none that were visible. (Page 227)

Several of those, both male and female, scattered throughout the dining place, were missing limbs. (Page 229)

"They didn't treat people who differed from the established norm badly, but they did treat them differently, which can be just as hurtful and demeaning." (Page 230)

"Does it bother you that you cannot see your face?" (Page 237)

"I can't imagine wanting to live in a world in which everyone is the same." (Page 237)

"There are one thousand four hundred and twelve illumination sources in Main Level." (Page 245)

He was particularly delighted to have learned a new word to add to his vocabulary: kitchen. (Page 253)

"I'm not ready to go just yet. I really like it here." (Page 255)

"Whether we accept or not, I am sure our choice will somehow impact future opportunities for advancement." (Page 255)