Cleaning

Story so far

People condemned to Cleaning are sent outside in fitted suits to clean the sensors before dying. Expressing a wish to leave, discussing a better life outside, and offenses such as attempted murder can bring the sentence. The condemned may choose their dinner, while technicians preserve detailed oral traditions: two squirts of liquid, wool scrubbing, towel drying, and ablating films applied last. The top floor is usually empty during the procedure.

The clear view afterward draws travelers, reunites families, and stimulates celebrations and trade. Juliette believes taboos prevent residents from openly mourning the cleaners. She observes that cleaners have time to finish before dying; Bernard Holland attributes their compliance to the false hope produced by their visor displays. Before her, Bernard knows of no refusal, and neither Walker nor Samson has known one in his lifetime.

In the earlier period involving Mission Jones, Mission reflects that cleanings often follow unrest and calm people. In Jimmy's childhood, children are excused from school for cleaning day, and his family customarily visits relatives to watch the cleared view. Another cleaning is scheduled for the next day.

Role

Cleaning combines capital punishment, maintenance of the outside view, and a communal holiday. Bernard regards the visor's false promise as central to inducing compliance.

Earlier in this series

Also appears in books you've already read — spoiler-safe to their endings:

• WoolBook 1