Available in the collection, Beyond the Aquila Rift.

An interesting look at the post climate apocalyptic future, that we're now facing, when people have been moved into massive refugee camps because the earth is in such a bad state.   Work is scarce and only available through a VR kind of thing.   This story is about one of these VR workers in a camp.

In a way this is a good little forerunner for Blue Remembered Earth, which feels like its set further into the future that's described in this story.   Only difference is that Blue Remembered Earth is centred around a wealthy corporate family who made their fortune out of the apocalypse (let's face it, a lot of people are going to get very wealthy out of it).

Anyway, a good little story that'll get you in the mood for Blue Remembered Earth.

This is the last of Alastair's shorts, for now.   Next up, we're diving back into the long stuff with the aforementioned, Blue Remembered Earth.

Bye for now. ( )