PodCast: Them-and-Us

Summary
These excerpts from the science fiction novel "Them-and-Us" present a dystopian future where humanity is controlled by a centralized city-state government that tightly regulates its citizens' lives. The protagonist, Sam, rebels against this rigid society, yearning for the freedom and open spaces that lie beyond the city limits. Sam discovers he possesses a rare genetic trait, the Wander Gene, which makes him unsuitable for traditional city life but is highly desirable for the city’s clandestine open range surveillance unit. However, the city’s control extends beyond physical boundaries, as Sam becomes entangled in a web of manipulation and secrets, leading him to clash with the city's powerful forces. The story explores themes of freedom versus control, the importance of family, and the conflict between individual desires and the supposed greater good.