CHAPTER XXII. -The coming Race

CHAPTER XXII SUMMARY:

In this chapter of “The Coming Race,” the protagonist discusses with Aph-Lin the caution and restrictions surrounding his interaction with the Vril-ya, especially the women. Despite the promise of confidentiality he and others have made, Aph-Lin worries about the protagonist’s ability to avoid revealing too much about his own world. The protagonist’s movements in the community are always supervised, often accompanied by Aph-Lin or his child-friend Taee. We learn about Aph-Lin’s family, highlighting their varied interests and the egalitarian social structure of the Vril-ya, where one’s occupation does not determine one’s social status. Aph-Lin’s eldest son shows a particular fascination with the protagonist’s watch, leading to an exchange of timepieces that demonstrate the advanced technology of the Vril-ya.

The protagonist, seeking to explore more of this underground world and its societies, proposes a journey to encounter both the Vril-ya communities and the so-called “savage” societies. However, Aph-Lin quickly highlights the dangers of such a venture, including potential scrutiny or harm from the curious or fearful Vril-ya, emphasizing the protagonist’s distinct and potentially alarming physical characteristics to them. Aph-Lin recounts the initial debate on how to deal with the protagonist upon his arrival, illustrating the precarious balance between curiosity and caution in the Vril-ya approach to strangers. This discussion underlines the protagonist’s vulnerability and the constant Vril-ya concern for the community’s safety.

Aph-Lin also mentions Zee’s adventurous spirit, her previous travels, and her authority among the Vril-ya, gradually leading to the protagonist’s realization of the potential personal implications of Zee’s affection for him. Worried about the consequences of a relationship with Zee, both personally and for the community, the protagonist expresses a desire to leave. Aph-Lin’s response is sobering, indicating the difficulties of leaving and the potential lethal risks the protagonist faces if his departure is seen as a threat to the Vril-ya society. The chapter closes with the protagonist’s concern over Zee’s affection and the complicated implications for his future among the Vril-ya.

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