So here we are in Summer. Not official, of course. Management did their usual short note to the various Socotra Sections advising the color “white,” much maligned of late, is now socially permissible. In certain contexts, anyway. Notably, that includes the Chairman’s option to transition to seersucker for those events in which slightly upscale attire is deemed appropriate.

Official Summer, the meteorologic version, is nearly here as well. The weather-guesser crowd in the Meteorologic Section has reminded us the Longest Day of the year is impending but still weeks away. They call it the “solstice,” and based on the orbital mechanics of our sphere, spinning at around 17,000 miles per hour in the void of space, will occur on June 21st. That is twenty-one days away from the first post-holiday Writer’s Section meeting. With the Chairman’s note displayed on smartphones, a couple members of the section were back in Aloha shirts, and Melissa made a gesture of solidarity in a brightly colorful muu-muu.

Being charged with compliance, our Watch-Attorney Amanda retained a certain professional look in gray slacks, light blue blazer and colorless blouse. Which we would normally call “white,” but we have already used the term three times this morning and that seems to be plenty.

The tablets had been flying this morning, since the mixed emotions of the holiday had distracted the Section. There had been a brief and traditional moment to remember the citizens who had sacrificed so much and then a splendid traditional accompaniment of colorful side dishes, freshly baked corn bread and racks of sizzling ribs done on the unfurled grill mounted in the Fire Pit. That was festive enough to remind us all of how things used to be done to welcome the unofficial start of the summer season. Melissa reminded us that her inoffensive Facebook posting of an image of a simple American flag had provoked a troll who insulted her for its use. He essentially called here a “troglodyte,” not knowing how to spell it about himself.

That aroused the circle, but Amanda was stern about that. So, with that as an ambiguous starting point to an unofficial season, we were able to unofficially note some of the morning’s non-traditional responses to authority. One included a report of a pregnant person who decided to run from prospective detention as an alternative to brief inconvenience and perished as a result. That provoked a vigorous discussion about the words permitted to describe the situation, which conveyed radically different interpretations of cause and effect. That depended on which of the several popular narratives in progress.

Splash mentioned that he had thanked the two local cops who were setting up a check-point near the VA cemetery in town yesterday. He said he appreciated being “thanked for his service,” and wanted to ensure that he, in turn, was on record as appreciating the people who don uniforms to go to work. Would any of the Vets in the circle have done their duty if it included dealing with irrational people in ways that could result in gunfire?

There was a pause in conversation at that. Then Loma produced a digital note from a shipmate who had traveled by auto across nearly 4,000 miles of America’s infrastructure. He noted the cost of fuel, of course, but emphasized the four lanes of pavement dating from the Administration of a fellow named “Eisenhower.” In German, that surname once meant “Iron Worker.” His highways were essentially unchanged despite the many official changes of season. The cities he passed had grudgingly added some lanes, but he indicated stopping there was unwise. From his summary, it appeared some things are still OK and others are not.

There was plenty of the latter, including a note about mystery tax-payer funded mid-night flights across the nation that appear to violate several laws passed in the Congress… but Amanda heard just enough to raise a hand and signify the end of approved discussion.

We could see that Rocket was squirming, since all the government flights he had conducted while on active duty were conducted under the assumption that they were legal and the expenses justified. Amanda looked at him sternly, and conversation died.

She rose, leaving our Section Chief DeMille seated uncomfortably. She understood seasonal rules, official or not, required providing guidance to the group. “It is an unofficial start to Summer, but it is authorized. I recommend those who have not transitioned their garb be comfortable in doing so. Enjoy the warmth for a few days until it is sufficient to cause mild discomfort. We have challenges to come over this season, with a major public event looming when it is over. There will be temptation to actually speak about the “why” for some of the events that are unfolding. Our Legal Chief indicates it will be acceptable to marvel at the inconvenience of increased prices as though that discomfort is an unexpected consequence of deliberate policy. And that goes for baby formula, food and measurements that determine caliber. Got it?”

The Section nodded uncomfortably, resigned to the fact that in exchange for subsidized lodging, they were committed to preserving peace where they could. At least at The Farm. There seemed to be general agreement we would not stop in the cities for in-person commentary. That led directly to another discussion about routine and non-controversial agricultural issues. That included discussion of what sort of equipment might be necessary to add to Refuge Farm unofficial home equipment. It would be unofficial, of course, but the season seems to call for it.

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