title: Happiness is a Warm Carcass: Assorted Sordid Stories from the Photographer in the Midst
author: David Peterson
description: "Dave is one weird dude." --Dave England, <i>Outside Bozeman</i>
zlib_text: 
  
  
  # After
  
  
  
  
  
  The official behind the counter returned the blue leatherette folder, smiling
  as he handed it back. "I hope you have a pleasant journey, Mr. and Mrs.
  Niemand." He gazed upon them kindly, though that was merely part of his job.
  "And that you find everything you're looking for."
  
  
  
  
  
  "Thanks." Deckard tucked the folder-it had the seal of the U.N. emigration
  services on it, along with gold-embossed letters spelling out A NEW LIFE! --
  inside his jacket. "I'm sure we will."
  
  
  
  
  
  He picked up the carry-on bag beside him. A knot in his stomach unclenched-
  getting the forged ID cards and other documents stamped had been the last
  barrier they'd needed to get past. He turned away from the counter. "Come on,
  sweetheart. We don't want to miss the flight."
  
  
  
  
  
  Rachael held on to his arm all the way through the corridors of the San Pedro
  off-world terminal. Scenes of happy life in the colonies-Norman Rockwell mixed
  with early Soviet Realism, laughing children and fields of grain lin