Routines

The world exists in a perpetual winter after an asteroid impact shifted the Earth's axis. Survivors migrate to the remaining habitable area to form The Community. Under the rule of The United Government(UG), every aspect of life is intensely controlled, a fact that builds resentment in Sam Rice.

The United Government, aware that some Citizens are starting to exhibit signs of restlessness, creates the Realignment Center as a means of helping people cope.

When Mrs. Lanlam, the librarian and Sam's friend, is arrested, and reading is declared illegal, Sam decides that the time for talks has ended and begins to plot a rebellion.

On the day of the protest, soldiers arrive to arrest all those suspected of participating, transporting them to a containment facility for interrogation.

Citizens, united in a desire to have more in their lives, assemble in the square for a peaceful demonstration. Anticipating trouble, The United Government warns the rebels that if they do not return to their quarters they will be considered a danger to society and handled as such. A bloody confrontation looms.