Verruca and The Wildlings — Ep8: Menace To Society
Pixel and her friends did something naughty. They ended up in the company of same-but-different peoples.
The two-legged chaoses decided to spend a few nights in a high-altitude village 12 hours walk up and away from Rembibi. They have explored the surrounds and have lightly mastered the overgrown footpaths, even on moonless evenings. They were excited about having new impressions and new experiences.
Pixel, Cora, and Nico left their homes at three in the morning, aiming to reach Salikut by 3pm. Anyone caught breaking the SHOE program would be confronted by the Public Controllers (PCs) so they decided to make way before the town woke up. It was a cold and wet start but the day turned out to be hot and dry.
“This is illegal, guys…” Pixel whispered during one of their breaks along the way.
“So is smoking marijuana and yet here we are,” Nico responded.
In the village of Salikut, indigenous tribes lived in harmony with the land as they had for several decades. And although largely removed from modern human activity, the Salikut tribes over the years have welcomed and mingled with visitors from foreign lands. PCs viewed the tribespeople as wild and dangerous, and had put strict rules for them not to interact with strangers of foreign colour.
“Before we living without this village. No problem. We staying new place — three weeks, six weeks, find new camp to sleep, next day walking again. Like this many years. Always moving…” One of the tribesmen shared over a smoky fire that had everyone around coughing. “We no danger to other people. They say we are problem because we don’t living in one place like them.”
An old white-haired man with an equally long white beard popped out from the shadows. He wore loose clothing and did not look belonging to the Salikut.
“We must be civilised. We must be controlled. Anyone who dares to enjoy a different life is a menace to society.” Shadow Wizard chimed in with his deep scratchy voice. “Obey. Obey. Obey.”
Pixel, Cora, and Nico looked across at each other. They were a menace to society, times three. The tribesman pointed up at the black night sky mixed with sparkling dust. Shooting stars were everywhere. Shadow Wizard retreated in the dark.
Next Episode : Forever, The Sun
Last Episode : Favourite Human Pleasures
First Episode : A Pandemic Special
