ALDISS THE FIRST-BORN This week marks the first fifty years of humanity walking on the planet Mars. As yet, a better and more peaceful culture has to establish itself, but that the settlements still exist is a matter for congratulation. Fadrum and his buddy Reet were kicking a ball against the alley wall, Fadrum to Reet, Reet back to Fadrum. Thud bump thud bump, went the echoing ball, in terms of complaint. They seemed never to tire, those two bored boys, but suddenly ceased their game. Reet made off, ball under arm. “You don’t say much these days,” he shouted back at Fadrum. “Gotta study,” was his response. Fadrum, before heading for his house, launched a jet of urine against the wall, that wall like most others made of processed rock and fabric-blend. He trotted right, right again, then left, into a small courtyard. Blind eyes of windows faced each other, dung-colored. He entered the block, where Gadramm, his father, sat with others watching Three Down, One to Go on his tiny screen.
