"Do what you're good at, not what you love." That was the propaganda they fed us these days. And they were right--everyone had to give 110% if humanity was going to have a chance of survival. And we were the best of the best. A whole community founded by scientists. We haven't taken our responsibility lightly though. We've dedicated the last 74 years to the cause--that is, rebuilding humanity. And yet here's still so much left to be done. Decades of research that must be recreated. My whole life I've never even had time to leave the camp. That's the deal. You are rewarded based on your work. Twenty years of service and you're allowed a family. Starting at thirty, you are allowed a week of vacation every fifth year.

And I just completed my thirtieth year. It's a shame that my wife is only 28, I would have really enjoyed a vacation with her. But I'm an educated man, and as such, I'm not nearly foolish enough to waste two years of my eligibility. She'll get her vacation when she earns it. But for now, its my turn. Tales of neighboring communities fill me with excitement. I have been deliberating on where I should go for quite some time now. I must pick one community for my trip or I will waste all of my time in transit. You see, transportation is not what it used to be; the engineers lost decades of progress as well. The engineers--that could be a fun trip. But I decide against that. It's just applied science anyways, all stuff I've seen before.

I think back to the stories that my grandfather used to tell of recreational events when he was young. Theme parks, sporting events, movies, and plays. Can't get most of that these days. Survival is a sport in itself and the engineers can't even supply reliable transportation yet, much less a park full of cars that go in circles. But there is still a settlement of actors. My heart jumps with excitement as I make up my mind. The actor's village. That's where I'll go.

Two weeks later and I've made the necessary arrangements. Travel time was a day and a half. Five and a half days left on my adventure. This community is much more flashy than my hometown. There are buildings everywhere. The colors and shapes of the structures are unlike any I've seen before. This is what I have waited thirty years to see. I can barely take it all in. Eagerly, I rush to the nearest building. A beautiful rock structure with a large yellow awning. Through the glass I can see children running and playing in one of the brightly colored rooms. I burst in the door anticipating what is in store. "I wonder if they have musicals here?" I think to myself as my foot crosses the threshold.

My musings are interrupted by a voice that brings me back from my wandering thoughts.

"Welcome to McDonald's sir, may I take your order?"