Free Echoes of a Shattered Age by R. J. Terrell Page B

more time to explore the country. Kita and Kenyatta took in the many sights, sounds, and smells as they traversed some of the nearby villages and occasional cities that so effectively utilized the surrounding natural resources without exploiting them. Since the End of Technology, all civilizations were forced to start over. People had been resourceful in adapting already existing houses and buildings to the new age. Kita and Kenyatta had always found it interesting to travel to distant lands and see how cities around the world had recreated themselves.
    Most places reverted back to the villages of the old times, utilizing nonfunctional devices from ages past in new and creative ways. Some places had actually taken on new names in place of old ones, while others adopted old names that had been changed during times of conquest and colonialism. Some of the major cities, however, retained their original names. Seoul, for example, was one of those major cities. Even after the End of Technology, the city had retained its original name.
    Although there was an obvious absence of moving cars, buses, planes, and other signs of technology, the place still buzzed with the daily activity and bustle typical of a large city. In these times, only large cities remained while smaller suburbs throughout the world branched off and split into sections to become their own autonomous dwellings. Without technology, it was difficult for a large city to exist, and many fractured into smaller cities within the larger ones.
    Kenyatta and Kita looked at all of the old skyscrapers, buildings, strip malls and freeways. Ironic that they still served the same functions they had during the Age of Technology, if in a more primitive fashion. As they ventured toward the outskirts of town, things were a bit different. Fast-food restaurants were converted into homes and neatly refined shelters. Office buildings were converted into living space to accommodate the thriving population. Restaurants were modified into places of celebration, while some of the strip malls were converted into schools of martial arts. It was in the villages outside the cities, however, where the best martial warriors could be found. Just as during the Age of Technology when many preferred to live in the country, away from the hustle of city life, many people chose life in the security of buildings and structures of the Old Age, and the major cities provided that illusion. In the villages, however, people relied on their ingenuity, wit and skill to survive the elements. The warrior class that existed outside of major civilization was of the best quality since the village’s safety and existence depended on the ability to defend itself.
    Another ironic byproduct of the new age was the city’s cleanliness. Without technology there were less wasteful materials created and discarded irresponsibly. The world was changing and people were changing with it.
    Walking along the streets, they noticed the often-friendly, often-curious stares they attracted. Since there were no planes or vacation ships, foreign visitors were rare.
    “Man, look at all the people starin’ at us. Dem act like they never see a man wearin’ a black shirt before.”
    They chuckled and continued on their way. After traveling at sea for weeks with crew and supplies, they were ready to find a place to rest.
    “I think we can spend the night there,” Kita said, pointing at a seven-story building at the corner of the street. It was a white, triangular affair with tall windows on each floor. The glass of the first two floors reflected the bright sun, while the higher windows were dull and unkempt. Not unlike the other structures throughout the city, only the lowest levels were maintained, as the absence of electricity and vehicles made it impossible to clean the higher buildings without considerable risk.
    “I think that would be a good spot to rest. We can sleep higher up, and see everything coming from outside the