Postcards From the Future

Colonus put his ship down on the tarmac and opened the hatch. A fresh breeze blew into the cabin and Colonus shut down all systems.

“Okay! We’re here-welcome to paradise!” said Colonus with a wry grin..”

Bailey and Ephraim unbuckled and headed toward the open door. They stepped out onto the tarmac followed by Colonus, who shut the hatch and headed toward the buildings to the left. There were dozens of ships, all in a line, that stretched to their right and left. Bailey and Ephraim looked around in amazement. There were trees in the distance. There were grasses, dried brown, billowing between the tarmac and the trees. They heard the chirp of birds. Bailey gasped as she squinted in the bright sun.

“Like in the books, Ef! Green! Trees and grass!”

“Come on, Bailey. We’d better keep-up with Captain Colonus. I’m sure there will be a lot of questions and protocols we will need to get through.” Ephraim shepherded Bailey, who in turn followed Colonus into a one-story, utilitarian building in the middle of a string of similar structures.

“You really do live above ground!” Bailey couldn’t help but comment as the three entered the building.