Survival and Life in the Arctic

I am waking up in a camp and slowly memory trickles down to me as to how I got there - the world has suffered a cataclysmic event and we are survivors who have formed a camp.  It is very cold, and as I look around I see that we are within some very icy caves.  People are stirring in their sleeping bags and life continues.

Time passes and we are more comfortable; some shelters have been built and now I see that there is a huge clear plastic structure that holds many troughs that will eventually have hydroponic plants.  Beside it is a set of stairs that I know is forbidden for most of us to climb.  I am one of the ones that can climb the stairs but only at certain times - this is one of them.  I am also feeling very tired, as though I have just completed a very strenuous day of work.

By the hanging baskets, I see a young black woman with a child.  She is arguing with a man who is working on them, and insisting on going up the stairs, and doesn't even notice as I slowly, very slowly make my way to the top.  There are two small side-by-side doors at the top.  Finally there, I open the left one and see what I already know I will see - a space the size of a mirror, totally impassable, but one that is small passage made completely out of ice and snow.  The end of this passage overlooks a very sophisticated office, filled with the most state-of-the art technology.  I listen for a moment, learning that all is going well, from two people, a man and woman in military uniforms, that pretend not to see this spy hole, but obviously sending me back a message by their conversation.

I close the door, and open the one next to it.  It is the same sort of setup, but goes to a different part of the cave system.  Again, through code, I am told that everything is okay.  I make my way slowly down the stairs weary to the bone.

As I make my way to my space, I see another woman and some of our "authorities" in an argument.  She insists on looking through some papers that  they are carrying, but is not allowed.  A deepening sense within me tells me that she is not ready for what they, and I know.  Setting my fatigue aside again, I pick up a small box and intercept this group casually.  While one man continues to engage in conversation with her, the other one, who is holding the papers, quietly slips them into the box quickly.  I walk away with them before she realizes what occurred.  The group disperses,  and as one of the man passes me, he whispers, "Thank you.  You saved this level again."

There is obviously a conspiracy going on here, but one that is very necessary.  And somehow, I am on the inside of that conspiracy, and I find it very disquieting.

Another passage of time - and now I find myself outside in the deep, dark forest that is starting to come to life again.  Although the air feels cold, there is a softness to it that speaks of a coming spring.  The other people with me stand in awe - for this is the first time we have gone out of the caves in many years.  Silently, reverently, we walk the still-slumbering earth, exclaiming softly whenever an animal crosses our path - like a skunk that has lost it's white stripes, emerging as a brand new animal of sleek black.