A New Beginning: Life in the Felix Colony
Written on
Chapter 1: The Solar Panel Routine
Each morning, I climbed to the roof of the megapod to clean the solar panels, a task I undertook diligently. On particularly dusty days, this job became more frequent. After severe storms, I would need to spend hours up there, armed with a blower, scraper, and heavy brush. Yet, it was always worth it for the breathtaking view of the blue sunset against a pink sky. I had chosen to move to the Felix colony for a fresh start, not out of desire but necessity. That first sunset changed everything; it transformed the place into a new home for me. I sat mesmerized until the sun disappeared, then returned inside for dinner.
By then, many individuals like me had also settled in the colony, all seeking a second chance after learning tough lessons in life on Earth. We were aware of the challenges ahead, but at least we were assured a fair deal. Unlike Earth, where meager wages left us struggling with rent, bills, and fuel costs, here we earned what we needed for a roof, food, clean water, fresh air, comfortable beds, decent clothing, and reliable shoes. We were given autonomy to do our jobs in our own way, and if we performed well, we could stay. If not, there were others eager to take our place.
During my interview, I was asked why I wanted to join the Felix colony, and I shared my truth—my troubled upbringing in a rough neighborhood led me to a life-or-death situation. A home invasion, unlike any I had faced before, forced my hand. I knew the intruder was desperate, trying to find money for a heart transplant for his infant daughter. Though I was not wealthy, I had a rare baseball card passed down from my grandfather, a card he had learned about and coveted.
The intruder was stealthy, but my sleepless nights made me aware of his presence. Armed with my mother’s tiny handbag gun—a relic from her life—I knew my days of pacifism were over. I approached him, heart racing, and demanded he leave. When he hesitated, I instinctively fired three shots. I convinced myself he might survive, but deep down, I knew the truth—he was gone.
After the police investigation concluded and the intruder was buried, I resolved to abandon my past life and seek a new future. I was indifferent about the Felix colony but saw it as an opportunity for a fresh start. To my surprise, my honesty in the interview didn’t ruin my chances, and I was accepted.
Chapter 2: New Opportunities
In the colony, jobs were distributed fairly, and I found myself assigned to clean solar panels, with the possibility of filling in as a dig-rig driver if needed. My opportunity came unexpectedly when the regular driver suffered an injury. I had learned to drive a Honda Civic on Earth, but now, at forty-one, I was tasked with operating a mining caterpillar named Beuregarde, stepping into a new role.
Not long after my arrival, I met Rose, my future wife. I had been hesitant to pursue another relationship after my first marriage on Earth ended painfully. However, Rose was different—brilliant and charming, she was the kind of woman I never thought I could attract. In the egalitarian atmosphere of the colony, we connected as equals, which gave me the confidence to approach her.
Our shared sense of humor made us click. Rose spoke passionately about her work growing trees to improve the atmosphere. For our first date, I showed her the stunning view from the roof, and for our second, she welcomed me into the arboretum to showcase her saplings. I had struggled to keep even a single fern alive on Earth, yet here was Rose, nurturing the first trees on this new planet.
Despite being over forty, we had to sneak around like teenagers to find privacy, as we shared living quarters with roommates. This made our romantic escapades spontaneous and exhilarating, reminiscent of youthful adventures.
In this video, explore American English vocabulary through short stories, focusing on blue and white-collar work experiences.
Section 2.1: Life’s Risks
However, life in the colony was not without its dangers. When I wasn’t enjoying time with Rose, I was cleaning solar panels, aware that negligence could lead to dire consequences. I witnessed an unfortunate accident that left a colleague severely injured, which deepened my anxiety about Rose's safety during her outdoor work.
The colony had an unspoken rule against expressing fears, as it could lead to widespread panic. It was the colony’s doctor who suggested I propose to Rose. Initially hesitant to take relationship advice from an AI, I ultimately followed through and asked her to marry me. She accepted, understanding its significance to me even though she had reservations about marriage.
After a modest celebration, we tied the knot and waited for a couples’ quarters. While I enjoyed our spontaneous moments, Rose longed for a private space where we could fully relax.
Chapter 3: A Joyful Partnership
The morning after our first night together in our new home, I awoke with an unexpected grin on my face. I sang in the shower, a rare occurrence, and Rose laughed good-naturedly as she joined me for water. My newfound happiness was infectious, and I later thanked the Doc for his advice.
Our time together continued until age caught up with us. I transitioned to overseeing the quirky cleaning robots, which communicated their needs like surgical patients. The satisfaction I derived from helping them was a comforting aspect of my later years.
Rose remained dedicated to her work, nurturing trees until our time in the colony drew to a close. After a heartfelt farewell, we moved to a quaint retirement home on Earth, where we reunited with old friends and family.
In this inspiring video, discover a man's journey from a high-paying white-collar job to fulfilling blue-collar work that brings him greater satisfaction and income.
Section 3.1: Family Reunions
Being away for so long, we reveled in the chance to reconnect with loved ones. I met my great-grandson, playing joyfully in the garden, and reconciled with my first wife, Violet. Our conversation was cathartic, allowing us to move past old resentments.
When Violet and Rose met, I listened as they shared laughter over me. I felt grateful for the love I had received from both women throughout my life. Despite my many mistakes, I had been fortunate enough to experience such deep connections.