Story so far
Mission's Father farms the same plot worked by generations of Jones boys, tending soil and weeding the corn. He buries people beneath the corn with the priests and plants seeds afterward. He argues that predictions of the end reflect a wish not to be outlived, and teaches that a revolution can take people back to where they began.
He warns Mission Jones that the cafeteria's production of corn and sprouts will affect porters, that seniority lets older porters choose mail routes, and that weight-and-speed bonuses come at the cost of damaged knees. Wyck says he attended school with him. Mission recalls that his father discovered his mother's pregnancy too late to terminate it.
As fighting spreads, Mission comes to appreciate his father's reluctance to leave the farm.
Mission also remembers his father describing unrest as a burning fed by distrust and the failure of trade.
Appearance
His skin is darkened and damaged by prolonged work under grow lights.
Role
He is a farmer whose warnings about work, trade and unrest shape Mission's reflections.
Relationships
Mission Jones — He warns Mission Jones about the costs of porter work; Mission increasingly understands his attachment to the farm.
Wyck — Wyck says they attended school together.
Sources — 13 recorded facts, by chapter
Chapter 26
- Mission’s father farms the same plot worked by generations of Jones boys.
- Mission’s father argues that predictions of the end reflect a wish not to be outlived.
- Mission’s father teaches that a revolution can return people to their starting point.
- Mission’s father buries people beneath his corn with the priests and plants seeds afterward.
Chapter 28
- Mission’s father works the soil and weeds the corn-growing area.
- Mission’s father has darkened, damaged skin from prolonged work under grow lights.
- Mission’s father says the cafeteria is growing corn as well as sprouts and warns that this affects porters.
- Mission’s father believes seniority allows older porters to choose mail delivery.
- Mission’s father warns that porter bonuses come at the cost of damaged knees.
Chapter 36
- Wyck says he attended school with Mission’s father.
Chapter 50
- Mission’s father discovered the pregnancy after it was too late to terminate it.
Chapter 56
- Mission comes to appreciate his father’s reluctance to leave the farm during the fighting.
Chapter 57
- Mission remembers his father describing unrest as a burning fueled by distrust and failing trade.