The year is 2392 and planet Earth is still here!
It had been during the twenty-second century that major changes were made to save the planet from total extinction. It was agreed at the time that it was too little too late, and nothing was likely to prevent the planet from eventually becoming uninhabitable. It was generally agreed by world governments that it was probably going to survive by the skin of its teeth. Because of the condition of the oceans, fish and seafood more generally were no longer a food source. The atmosphere, such that it was, meant that the skies were permanently grey with no actual sunlight coming through. Oxygen levels were so low that, even with the latest masks, the air was hard to breathe. Basically, the general pollution was seeing an ever-growing rise in death rates, reducing the world’s population.
The only respite away from any of this, for the very few who could afford it, was to travel out to other worlds; to spend time in far more pleasant surroundings. Of all the holiday planets the humans like to spend time on, the exoplanet, Kapler L72-43, located in the constellation of Gailandis, better known as Paradise World in the brochures, would have to be the destination of choice.
Apart from the ever-friendly attitude of the hosts, the entire planet was pollution free. This was evident in the pristine oceans, the land, with its wonderful variety of trees and plant life, and the clear skies. An added attraction was the fact that facemasks were not used! As already indicated, only a few of the wealthiest people from planet Earth could actually afford to spend time on any of these planets. Nevertheless, it was a thriving business for those worlds who were available to would be holidaymakers.
It came about that it was a guest, having spent a few days on Paradise World, that held this brief conversation with the main resort’s accommodation manager at the reception counter before leaving.
“As usual,” he began, “you have been a wonderful host, thank you.” He paused. “Just one thing… I have often wondered, why it is that none of your people here ever visit Earth?”
At this point his gracious host, after indicating that those of his world were generally reluctant to talk about such things, beckoned him to move to the far end of the counter.
Leaning a little closer, he whispered, “Put it this way sir, if you were away from home and needed to visit a public convenience, but found that it was completely filthy, would you go in?”
