A Decent Land: An Anthology of Arks #7

Brief biographies of the first forty ships to arrive in the system Mammaria.

Part One of this anthology is available here. Links to the remainder of A Decent Land can be found in this collection.

31. The Village (Pōr T’iēm)

The Village was built for senior citizens, and their moulting pets. We all dream of retirement, but few will reach the requisite age. Pensions pay for paradise, and fertile plots of land, where our elders can recline amongst the crocuses and dandelions. As they swing on benches — held to beams above by chains — wasps and hungry bumblebees encircle one another. Neighbours say, “Good morning!” when they venture down their driveways. Then they run inside, to trade in gossip with their wives.

Physical activities are regular and mandatory. Absence from them risks a loss of welfare, so the codgers shuffle t’ward The Village Hall for artificial exercise. Muscle stimulation pairs with virtual reality, allowing access to augmented versions of Pōr T’iēm. Gravity is weakened, soothing music plays from speakers — placed atop the many red and white striped maypoles — and there’s tea. Helpful nurses take them through the process with a smile. It hurts, until analgesic paste is well-applied.