The Separation Protocol

The Symphony’s shared rule for finding one another turns separation into a manageable danger, though it cannot guarantee everyone will return.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Rule for the Road

A Rule for the Road Always choose a destination The company agrees never to travel without a destination. If separated, members are to make their way there and wait. Collective knowledge The rule translates a precarious life into a repeatable practice. It gives every traveler a shared answer to the question of what to do when the group disappears.

The Destination Is Set

The Destination Is Set A familiar procedure in new country The Symphony identifies the Civilization Museum at Severn City Airport as its destination. The choice follows reports that Charlie and Jeremy may have gone there. Hope with uncertainty Not everyone knows whether the settlement exists or is safe. The rule offers direction without removing the danger of the journey.

The Scouts Disappear

The Scouts Disappear A sound in the forest Kirsten and August hear a cry and discover that Dieter and Sayid have vanished from their scouting route. Later, Sidney disappears near a stream. The rule cannot explain loss The company searches but finds no trace. It must choose between remaining exposed and continuing toward the agreed destination.

The Company Divides Again

The Company Divides Again An urgent change of route The clarinet escapes captivity and reaches the company with a warning. The Conductor changes course to avoid the Prophet’s men. Two travelers fall behind Kirsten and August, away fishing, miss the departure. Their knowledge of the destination becomes their only reliable guide through unfamiliar territory.

Reunion at the Terminal

Reunion at the Terminal The destination holds Kirsten and August reach the airport, where the settlement’s sentries first treat them as strangers. One sentry recognizes them and rushes forward. A partial restoration The rule succeeds for those who arrive, and the Symphony reunites with Charlie and Jeremy. It cannot restore Dieter, but it helps the survivors find a place from which to continue.

Established during the Symphony’s years of travel

After the Prophet forces the company south

During the night after leaving St. Deborah

After the clarinet warns the Symphony

Several days later at Severn City Airport