Cricket201902

The weather exam-

iner sighed. “Kris, the

Colonization Service

doesn’t like the word

fail. Only twenty per-

cent of those taking

the weather exam pass.

Few humans qualify to

leave our planet after

growing up with Earth’s

weather control.” He

jerked his chin toward

the window, at an ever blue and sunny sky.

(Rain was always scheduled after nightfall.)

“Not to mention living indoors nearly all

the time.

“I’m sure you’re disappointed, but it’s

probably for the best. Survival’s not easy off-

Earth. Hard work. Wildlife. Wild weather.

Drought. Floods. Blizzards. Sometimes I

wonder why anyone wants to emigrate.”

Clutching his desk’s edge, I said, “Sir,

antimicrobial chemicals are making my sister

“I FAILED THE
fog test?” I sputtered in
disbelief. How? It was
the simplest part of the
weather exam—the
“fog” wasn’t even real.
All I’d needed to do was
complete an easy obstacle
course wearing virtual
reality goggles, which I
did... just not in the
time allowed. I shook
my head.

sick. They’re needed to

prevent epidemics, but

she’s allergic. Her doc-

tor says she must leave

Earth.”

The examiner tapped

his screen. “Fortunately,

your sister has already

passed the weather

exam.” I squirmed,

although that was won-

derful news for Lia.

Mother had qualified,

too. I should be glad, but

now they’d have to leave

me behind. Alone. Oh,

they’d visit... some-

times. But travel between

Earth and its colony took

nearly a year, one way.

“Mr. Examiner, may I

finish the weather tests?”

I blurted out.

Surprised, he

blinked. “Why?” Had he

watched me stumbling in the fog? Did he see

me wave my arms, as if that would clear away

imaginary mist?

“Coming here for the exam is the first time

we’ve left our building in two years. School,

food, medical care, work, recreation... every-

thing’s there.” Just going out the door made

me homesick. Most people felt that way.

Besides, daily announcements reminded us

that unneeded travel outdoors consumed

vital resources and contributed to pollution.

Illustrated by Kyle Reed

text © 2019 by Pamela Love, art © 2019 by Kyle Reed

The

Fog

Te s t

by Pamela Love

FOG ISN’T SO BAD... OOF! WHO’S

THERE? OUT OF MY WAY!

WHOA! HEY!

LOOKOUT.

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