The Fall of Chance Read Online Free PDF Page A

and bear seeds of their own.
    “Naturally, most credit goes to the parents, friends, family and, of course, the children themselves, But each of us has played some small role whether we have felt it or not. That is the nature of a society: we all have our own part to carry out for the benefit of the whole.
    “Everybody contributes, therefore every post is equally important and I would ask our young people to bear that in mind tomorrow. You may have an idea of what post you want. Some will get their wish, some won’t, but to those who don’t I ask you not to despair. Your part will be no less vital than the one you would have chosen. The end is the same just as who you are stays the same.
    “Tomorrow, we welcome one hundred and seventeen new colleagues into our workforce and fifty six unions will bring new life to our community. Those of us who have been with us from the start are now in our twilight years and it gives us great pleasure to see a new generation come through, leaving our community in a position of strength. May this ideal we all share remain secure for many years to come.
    “In coming of age there is great happiness, not only for those reaching adulthood but for everyone. Soon, some of you will be welcoming new colleagues into your place of work: may you extend them the warmest of welcomes. May the same be true for those of you who are welcoming new neighbours.
    “For those of you who face this new world, enjoy your new lives but do not forget the family who raised you. Likewise, to those families, do not consider this a parting but continue as part of each others’ lives as we all continue to be part of the greater family.”
    He smiled. “And that, I think, is enough patronising rambling from this old man. It’s time to rejoice and to feast. Now, go and enjoy yourselves!”
    With Pello’s closing words, new figures emerged from the doorway of the Hall. Lines of people bearing steel-lidded platters threaded between the standing Councillors. This was another part of the daily routine: the communal feast.
    In truth, it was rarely much of a feast. The Council would roll early in the day to decide what would be served and normally it was little more than bread and vegetables. It was hot food to keep people warm on cold nights, not food that would excite the palate, but on special days, a modifier was added to increase the chance of serving something more exciting. Today looked to be following the plan: a few brightly coloured marks on the soup urns promised something vibrant within.
    As the food-bearers worked through the crowd to the marble table that bordered the fountain there was a shift among the people there. People turned and followed the food en-mass. It was like iron filings being drawn by a magnet. Unt wasn’t immune to the pull himself but it wouldn’t be right to seem too eager. He affected the same indifference of the other boys, all the while knowing that the best stuff would be gone before the unspeaking group consciousness decided it was all right to be hungry.
    If for nothing else but to keep his eyes off the food, Unt cast a hooded glance at the girls’ corner. Straight away he noticed Rob’s shirt moving easily among them. Rob had that unique power: he could pass from one sex to the other with ease. He was immune to the rule that said you must gather here and look over there. He could mingle among the girls as freely as he did with his own kind and he was welcomed by them.
    Rob had an animal authority, an assumption of entitlement that was automatic. Unt wanted to hate him for it but he couldn’t. He envied him, yes, but for Rob, dominating a social space was so natural you couldn’t blame him for it. He didn’t do it with ego: it was just his good fortune that he could.
    Unt watched Rob as he threaded from one group of girls to another. It was like changing partners in a dance. Unt expected him to make a bee-line for Crystal but she didn’t even seem to be there. What was he