Postcards From the Future

Bailey woke up when the lights came on. The lights were harsh, indicating no dust storm above ground. Directly powered by the sun without the benefit of storage batteries, the lights reflected the daytime weather that no one ever saw. Bailey quietly rolled out of her sleep pod and headed to the communal washroom. She left a sleeping Ephraim – Ephraim, who could sleep through anything. When she returned, Ephraim was up and dressed, except for his shoes.

“Good morning, husband of mine.” Bailey grinned and gave Ephraim a kiss on the cheek. “Hungry? We have extra credits left from last week. We can have a nice breakfast, if you want.”

“Let’s not squander them, Bales. You never know when we might need them.” Ephraim finished slipping on his shoes and stood up. “I’ll be right back.” Ephraim headed to the washroom.

Bailey flipped on the information screen and watched the ticker-tape data scrolling across the screen. 

Food rations: 465 days……. Shelter headcount…….. 2,865………. Change from yesterday………. (25)………….. Interior air quality………….. 95%.................. Next scheduled receipt of supplies…………….. 182 days……………………Medicine stock status………………….. 90 days ………………….. Radiation index…………… high……………………… Sunspot activity………………….. normal…………. Night travel advisory……. Significant windstorm possible for next 36 hours…….. Food rations: 465 days……..

The screen flickered, then went black for several seconds before sputtering back on, now filled with static. Bailey turned off the screen. The interference was happening more and more frequently. She took out the book she had checked out of the library and perched on the side of her open sleeping pod, turning to where she had left off. She read until Ephraim returned.