The next morning was Mike’s turn to cook, but Peter got up early. He went to sit on the veranda and take in another spectacular California sunrise. As he sat in the lounge, he felt a presence. He turned to see Astrid standing beside him.
“May I Join you?” she asked.
“Sure. I love nature. It’s so natural!” Peter smiled as Astrid took a seat next to him.
“Oh, the sunrise is just beautiful Peter!”
“There are sunrises in 2066, aren’t there?” Peter asked taken by her awe of the sun.
“Yes, but not like this. We have to watch the sun through a dome,” Astrid said while still taking in the view of the sun’s rays sparkling on the waves. “This is just magnificent!”
“Why do you have to see the sun through a dome?” Peter asked.
“Pollution. We live in domes because the air is bad. It is because of your time. Your lack of attention to the environment,” Astrid answered.
“Wow,” Peter said. “Hey, I’ve got an idea. Why don’t we fix that?”
“How?” Astrid asked.
“You could tell the people now! We could change and you could see the sun naturally!” Peter said excitedly.
“No, Peter. I cannot change the course of the future,” Astrid sighed. “We have made many advances and perhaps further generations from my time can help, but we cannot.”
“Oh,” Peter quietly said.
“Don’t be sad Peter. Enjoy your nature. It is a lovely gift and it takes a special caring person like you to appreciate it.”
“Yeah. I guess it’s better to enjoy the now,” Peter smiled.
“Speakin’ of now, it’s time for breakfast,” Mike said as he walked out on the veranda.
“Mike! Astrid and I were enjoying the sunrise. She says there are sunrises in 2066, but they have to see it through a dome!” Peter hurriedly explained to Mike.
“I heard. Not that I was evesdroppin’ or anythin’, but it is kinda sad. About the sun, pollution, an’ all,” Mike said.
“The future will take care of itself. Let’s enjoy the now, OK guys?” Astrid said as she stood to enter the Pad.
“Yeah. Let’s eat,” Mike smiled.
“Yeah, let’s,” Astrid repeated.
“Uh, Astrid, last night you said you weren’t hungry and didn’t eat. Well, uh, do you eat?” Peter asked.
“Technically. Come on!” Astrid said as she walked to the kitchen.
“Technically?” Peter repereated puzzled.
“I got a feelin’ we don’t wanna know!” Mike answered as he and Peter followed Astrid to breakfast.
Chapter 2
Chapter 4
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