Awakened Bellydwellers

            Bart, Mitch, and Georgie set out on Saturday morning in January of the year twenty fifty-two to satisfy their curiosity.  Bart had instigated the escapade.  Georgie had the foresight to provide them with forged documents.  Georgina Cogswell had an artistic flair.  On her computer she constructed permits to visit the ancient library in the heart of Washington D.C.  The authenticity of the documents went unchallenged by the security guard on duty that day.  The soldier was much more interested in a young woman who was returning to the restricted community than in the three Bellydwellers about to exit.  Once safely out of the confines of the only world they’d ever known the trio was ready to explore.

            Suddenly they found themselves in an alien atmosphere that brought tears to their eyes.  They automatically began to take very shallow breaths as they rubbed the unexpected moisture from their eyes with the backs of their hands.  Bart spotted a container of facemasks.  Once the masks were in place normal breathing was possible.  The air quality wasn’t improved much by the devices but they could continue their adventure without suffering asphyxiation.

            Dingy, gray clouds blotted the sun’s rays from view.  Lampposts were visible along the street but they had been extinguished years ago.  As Mitch’s eyes adjusted he studied a map of the city.  “Have to board a bus.”

            Bart nodded.  As he followed Mitch he looked about.  Damaged structures were everywhere.  He said, “Guess it really was necessary to move the seat of government underground.  Wasn’t convinced it was the right thing to do.”

            Georgie agreed.  “Once some of the third-world countries learned to construct atomic weapons America’s leaders were prime targets.  Good thing they were hidden away.”

            Mitch was a few steps ahead of his companions.  He turned back to say, “Can see that was one of the wisest moves our country made.  Wasn’t long after our president and lawmakers were safely tucked away all hell broke loose.”

            Bart said, “Incredible.  One tiny, hostile nation managed to launch the missiles that wrecked this place.”

            Mitch stopped walking.  They’d reached the bus stop.  “Yeah.  It’s hard to believe.  Good thing so many of their weapons were blown up before they reached their targets.  Only a few got through.  Look at the destruction they did.”

            Eventually a bus showed up.  At Mitch’s direction they entered the noisy vehicle.  It took them on their way to the Library of Congress.  The noise of the antiquated engine made it impossible to engage in conversation.  Their raised eyebrows indicated how unbelievable they thought this method of transportation was.  The electric transportation system they had grown up with was silent.  The black fumes that belched from the rear of the bus were fascinating to the three travelers.  It was easy for them to conclude the darkness that hung over the Earth was certainly to be expected if these contraptions were the accepted mode of travel on the surface of the planet.

            Bart soon tired of watching the wake of fumes that trailed behind them as they made their bumpy way along neglected roads