The Tunnel of Mystery Investigation

Sheerin 501 is called to Jonglor to investigate a ride that induces Darkness, revealing the psychological vulnerability of Kalgash's people.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Summons to Jonglor

The Psychologist's Task A Mysterious Crisis Sheerin 501, a psychologist from Saro University, is summoned to Jonglor by Kelaritan 99, director of the Jonglor Municipal Psychiatric Institute. The Jonglor Centennial Exposition's Tunnel of Mystery ride has caused severe psychological trauma in some riders, including deaths. Sheerin is to provide an expert opinion. The Lawyer's Resistance Cubello 54, the Exposition's lawyer, tries to downplay the incidents, but Sheerin insists on interviewing victims. He meets Harrim 682, a longshoreman who experienced total Darkness in the Tunnel and now suffers from claustrophobia and fear of the dark. The First Interview Harrim describes the ride: fifteen minutes of absolute blackness. He recalls his family's reactions and his own terror. The interview triggers a breakdown, and Sheerin realizes the profound impact of Darkness on the human psyche.

Sheerin's Ride

Into the Darkness The Decision Despite his fear, Sheerin decides to experience the Tunnel himself to understand its effects. He is given an abort switch but resolves not to use it. The ride begins, and he is plunged into utter blackness. The Ordeal Sheerin struggles to maintain calm. He feels claustrophobia, panic, and the urge to press the abort switch. He throws it away in a moment of defiance. The minutes stretch endlessly. He nearly loses his sanity. The Aftermath When the ride ends, Sheerin is shaken but outwardly composed. He immediately recommends closing the Tunnel permanently, stating that Darkness is too dangerous for human minds. His experience later informs his predictions about the eclipse's psychological impact.

The Report

A Dire Warning The Professional Opinion Sheerin submits his report to Kelaritan and Cubello, declaring the Tunnel of Mystery a public hazard. He argues that even the strongest minds can be damaged by prolonged Darkness. The Exposition managers reluctantly agree to shut it down. Lingering Effects Sheerin himself suffers from nightmares and claustrophobia for weeks after the ride. He becomes acutely aware of the fragility of sanity in the face of Darkness. This experience shapes his later collaboration with the astronomers. A Personal Lesson Sheerin's encounter with Darkness makes him a key figure in the coming crisis. He understands the terror that will grip the world when the eclipse occurs.

early in the story, before the eclipse prediction

a few days after the interviews

after the ride, before returning to Saro