Going Home pt 2

Posted on Sun Dec 15th, 2024 @ 3:05pm by Commander Samantha Howard

Mission: Family
Location: Earth

At this time of year the heat was oppressive, some even called it obscene. Yet it was the restored natural climate and the governmeta had fought to keep it in its natural state, not alter it for the benefit of intelligent species. There was a defeating crescendo of cicada noise, rising and falling to a painful level as the critters basked in the heat and attempted to disguise their individual location from predators.

There was the ever present waft of smoke in the air. And Sam could see a plume rising in the distance. This country's native population, who many centuries ago had chosen to be called First Nation's People, had realised many thousands of years ago that the native vegetation had adapted to the natural cycle of weather and fire this country was known for. And so they deliberately burn patches at varying times throughout the year to reduce invasive species and promote the natural regeneration process. The raging wildfires that peppered the country's history were indeed a thing of the past, replaced with cultural and controlled burning that aided the environment, not bludgeoned it with a branding iron.

As she made her way the small town the distinct sound of a crowd nearby made Sam vere towards the village green. As she neared the distinct sound of leather being belted over the fence by a willow bat, followed by a roudy cheer could be heard. The trees in her path cleared to reveal a green circular playing field, complete with white picket fence and a 13 players dressed in white on the field. It was the weekly cricket match, a staple in many towns and cities that is still played and very much enjoyed centuries after the game was brought out from the 'mother's country. Few these days knew the country's true history, of colonisation by the English and turning the Virginia country and its native populations into a dumping ground for criminals and others they didn't know how, or quite simply didn't want to deal with.

Sam watched the match for a few minutes, smiling as one of the batsman hit a cracking 6 over the fence, then was bowled out next ball. Such was the highs and lows of the game.

She continued her journey through the heat haze, a trickle of sweat making it's way down her spine and soaking the back of her uniform. Such heavy fabrics were designed for the climate controlled environs of starship and space stations and were completely impractical in a hot climate. She shucked off her jacket, leaving the long sleeved shirt on to protect against the belting sun.

Her destination was another few kilometres out of town. Normally not a problem to walk but the heat told Sam than trekking down the further country roads was probably not a smart decision. On a nearby corner was an old building, bricks lined the walls of the bottom story with a timber clad upper level, complete with timber double hung heritage windows (now triple glazed for thermal efficiency) and an ornate timber handrail on the balcony. Inside promised respite from the heat, a cool drink and a light meal. Just what the doctor ordered.

TBC