Little Barcelona

04. Little Barcelona

Welcome!

Entering Little Barcelona, the loud thumping of the shuttle contrasts starkly against the reverent silence of the area. Some might feel guilty about all the noise they’re making. As it stops gently in a sandstone-white station, you’re instructed by people in flowing white robes to speak softly, lest you have to be removed from the sector. You’re given a complimentary pair of slippers to change into as you wander the peaceful city, as normal shoes would make too much noise. All electronic devices are temporarily confiscated.

The crowd changes depending on the time of day. In the morning, you’ll find about a hundred people wandering the pristine streets. Some of them sweep the ground as they walk, bowing their head in respect to every passerby. Others chat in murmured laughter, recounting their life happenings. The rest are either in their place of worship, or manning a small storefront. Lackadaisically built shacks host a multitude of stores which sell simple food or other goods. It’s not extravagant or particularly nice, but it’s enough. The residents of Sector IV all wear the same flowing robes; the more adventurous have fashioned high slits into the robes, removed the sleeves, or turned it into some kind of strapless dress. Occasionally, you can see people whispering about those they consider scantily-clad. If you greet these people, they’ll stop for a conversation. They seem to enjoy learning more about newcomers than talking about themselves. The more observant may realize they virtually never initiate conversation on their own.

The area itself is a multitude of intersecting streets and cul-de-sacs, with places of worship in the middle. If the religion exists, chances are it has a church, temple, mosque, or otherwise! Therefore, you tend to see people of similar faiths living in the same area. Everyone is respectful of one another, and these holy buildings tend to deliver gifts to one another frequently as a kind gesture. Together, they form the heart of Little Barcelona. An interesting note is the tall tan-brick wall surrounding the sector. It seems to have been rebuilt in one large area, but nowhere besides that. Little Barcelona is well-known for being the safe haven of peace, even during the violent, gritty era of the Reconstruction. Legend goes that even during the riots and wars of the world, Little Barcelona remained untouched through divine intervention. But that’s just a fairytale, right?

Lush greenery covers all the areas. There are several open parks where you may find people playing music or having reading circles, or perhaps even a light picnic. These areas exude peace and humility more than any others in the Sector. Trees grow thick and tall, but nobody seems to know where they really came from. The earth around these trees is covered in patchy grass and thin dirt...

Regardless, fair tidings. Welcome to Sector IV: Little Barcelona.