Hopefully, in the not too distant future
humans will return to the moon. We will build bases and colonies, create farms
and factories, and live, love and learn. “A Cabin Under a Cloudy Sea and other
stories” contains five short stories set upon the moon. They give the tiniest
glimpse of the possibilities awaiting us there.
For an example, here is an excerpt from “Putting
Down Roots”
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Julie smiled to the camera and gave a
little wave. “Hello from the Armstrong Research Station at the Lunar South
Pole. I’m the Station Director, Doctor Julie Herrin, and this is a very special
broadcast.”
Spreading her arms, Julie stated, “I’m
talking to you from what in the station specs is referred to as ‘the common
area,’ but here at Armstrong we call it The Bunker.” She shrugged and
explained, “The name was here before I was, so don’t ask me why. Anyway, this
is where we usually make our media presentations, but it’s also where most of
us eat, play games, and watch movies every Tuesday and Friday night. And today,
thanks to you, it’s becoming even more.
“About twelve hours ago, one of our
resupply shuttles landed with a special package from the Lunar Auxiliary. For
those of you watching this video who don’t know about the Lunar Auxiliary, they
are a private group on Earth who raise money to ship various items to us here
on the moon. Things like treat baskets each Halloween and knitted socks for all
the staff up here … which I probably shouldn’t have brought up because I’m not
wearing mine today.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Julie saw
several of the staff laughing silently as they showed off their socks. She
clenched her jaw for a second, before continuing, “But the reason for today’s
video is this.” She held up the package: a thick plastic tube about a meter
long. The tube had already been opened, so Julie only had to slide the top up
off the contents.
***
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