The Europan government cracks down hard on the Earthers, revoking their citizenship and making it impossible for many of them to get it back. The Earthers protest.
159.
"What seems to be the matter, dear?"
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) October 3, 2019
"Due this man's criminal record, we must take him into custody until the court decides whether to deport him."
"But we're married! And I'm Europan!"
"Tell that to the judge."
The woman cries as the man is hauled away.#microfiction#scifi
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160.
No, the deportation is mostly a comfort (at least you weren't deported) and a warning (be careful; you could still get deported) to the other Earthers.
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) October 10, 2019
The rest are allowed to stay, but are ineligible for citizenship.
I'm sure that was the goal all along.#microfiction#scifi
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161.
After two days of no food and no word from the crew, the intercom comes on.
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) October 10, 2019
"Folks, I've got good news and bad news. The good is the trip'll be shorter than expected. The bad… well…"
Air whooshes as the giant doors open.
We are sucked out into space.#microfiction#scifi
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162.
"How much the fuel to get to Earth and back would have cost?"
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) October 11, 2019
She looked at him, aghast.
"The pay more covers the expenses!"
The captain shrugged.
"This way, we take a six-month cruise, and everyone's share grows tenfold. Accept it or join them outside."#microfiction#scifi
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163.
I walk over to my colleague and look out the window.
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) October 11, 2019
I can't believe my eyes.
The protest, all of 15 people the whole week, has grown to fill the street.
At least 300 now stand there, tape over their mouths.
Not all are Earthers.
"Find the Governor! Now!"#microfiction#scifi
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164.
The effect is powerful:
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) October 13, 2019
People marching in orderly ranks, carrying signs, never saying a word.
The police say it's making them nervous.
Nervous enough that they've publicly asked the governor to meet with the protest leaders and hear their grievances.#microfiction#scifi
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