Welcome to the Moon
by KJ Hannah Greenberg

 

 

Dear Dr. Akila:

How are you? It’s Zane. I don't know if you remember me, but you graciously had me over your house when you lived on Earth. How is Mare Nectaris? I really hope your move is going well. I wanted to update you on my life.

I recently got engaged to a very special girl named Valdis. She is 21 and is finishing up her astrophysics degree at the federal compound. 

The wedding will be in August. If by chance you or anyone from your family will be on Earth, it would be an honor to have you attend.

Here are some pictures from our engagement party. Sorry that my tie isn’t straight. Have a great day.

Sincerely,

Zane

 

****

 

Zane:

 

Mekhi and I remember you fondly and are delighted that you are keeping us up to date on the important events of your life. Congratulations to you and Valdis!!

I don't think any of us will be on Earth. Both Mekhi and I are up to our helmets with research. Might you be visiting the moon? We have a guest pod big enough for two.

Also, do you have any thoughts of immigrating to Luna?

Warmest Wishes, 

Serilda

 

****

 

Dondi:

 

As you probably heard on the news, the moon is experiencing a military moment. Those colonists on Mars must have realized that ours are the greater resources. Oh well. Our shields remain unmatched.

Zalikii is a full-fledged teen. Today, I began teaching her about eyebrow tweezing in zero gravity—it costs too much to always switch on the Gfields. That daughter has friends, attitude and gumption. I love that kid!

Rasmus has blossomed into adolescence. At thirteen, he is confused, angry, expressive, and sensitive. I hope that he and I pass quickly through this stage of his developmental. While he's a good kid, he’s simultaneously a good growth opportunity for me, his mother. What’s more, he sometimes forgets to turn in before nightfall. Nightfall lasts half of a year, here.

Svana, too, at almost eleven, is starting to become emboldened. She has strong opinions on everything, especially on the Lunar/Martian Conflict. Thankfully, she has mastered Galaxy Speak without an accent and has made friends, some of whom are Earthstock and some of whom are not.

Ren, who is going into third grade, is happily chirping, in Galaxy Speak, to his buddies and is doing what eight year-olds do; lots of virtual architecture, a little whining, sand pictures, reading, and playing on the cliffs with other kids.

Mekhi regularly travels to Venus and to Earth. He's made five trips since Nightfall and will likely make two more before Sunfall. His travel was a condition of our move. Oh well.

As for me, I: cut off all of my hair, dyed my scalp neon shades, enjoyed an unexpected pregnancy, suffered a miscarriage, and, most recently, experienced both pneumonia and sciatica.
Additionally, I now enjoy the sort of backing I was missing when we first landed; I’ve found friends among my fellow scientists as well as professional support.

Yet, my self-care is mediocre. I hope, next week, after my post-pneumonia checkup, to again pursue outdoor bouncing. I hope, too, to engage in swimming when the subterranean (is the right word for a deep-set structure, here?) sports complex is competed.  Plus, I’ve found: a wonderful Venusian faith healer to be my primary care physician.

I’ve discovered a scientists’ support group, too, that fits my schedule. Additionally, I’ve come to adore the community originating from our rocket, have a reasonable work schedule, and am getting help with various other issues.

At the moment, I’m studying the relative rate of condensation above ground, below ground and way below ground (I’m skipping scientific terms to make this message more readable). My goals for the coming year, now that my family has: some sense of the culture, some sense of the language, friends, schools, and a permanent place in which to live, are: more mastery of Galaxy Speak, a return to photography, and a return to teaching biochemistry.

My first year, here, has been tough as well as wonderful. Please ping me soon.

Love,

Serilda

 

****

 

Hi Serilda,

I have two rooms left for the free getaway. If you are still up for it I can give them to you.  If your older daughter wants to bring a friend, too, that’s ok, too. I need to know ASAP, so ping me.

Thanks,

Putri

 

****

 

Putri:

You are a gem as well as a generous person. Thank-you for your kind offer. Today, I bought a week’s worth of food.

Truth is, I’m whooped. Between the hours of five and eight, tonight, I dealt with: job problems, sexual harassment from a coworker, a “friend” who tried to take advantage of my cultural naiveté, and getting all four of my kids, who didn't see me ‘til seven at night, to bed (Mekhi’s on Venus.)

If it were just me, I would go away in a beat. I’ve heard that Mare Foecunditatis is lovely this time of year. When I went on the virtual trip, which you sponsored to Oceanus Procellarum, I had a swell time. Traveling with children is a moon rock of a different texture, however.

At least, at home, the kids are contained and a routine is in place. I wish I could say “yes,” but I don’t have the energy for supervising them outside of our home.

On balance, today; Zalikii took up my challenge to have a “play date” with someone other than her best friend, Rasmus loaned me his stuffed dog after I finished dealing with what I hope is the last boundary issue of the night, Svana persevered with an assignment from school, and Ren remained extremely cuddly.

It’s very special for all of us to live on the moon. In truth, despite the challenges, my life is filled with small smiles, including, but not limited to the gap year girls who think I have more answers than I actually do (one just called me to ask for a connection at Mare Imbrium. I told her I only knew of the hotel where our family had stayed during the past Sunfall, not of individual families from whom she could borrow a pod.)

Eventually, I will learn decent Galaxy Speak. Eventually, I will be sufficiently promoted to pay off some of our immigration debt. Eventually, my kids will outgrow this part of their lives and will be less needy.

You are sweet. I think you for your generous offer to be included on a getaway. You are one of the extraordinary people inserted into my life to smooth the way. I wish I could go on the trip, but it seems, especially given today's events, that it would be better for me to stay put.

Warmly,

Serilda

PS: I tried to call the unit you suggested for Galaxy Speak tutoring, but the number turned out to be that of a private home. Oh well.

 

****

Hiya Putri!

It was good to communicate with you yesterday. The lab is trying to figure out what to do with me. For now, I will remain at my first assignment. The director is not sure that I belong in the bench work sector. She might insist that I learn Galaxy Speak during a paid furlough so that she can move me to autonomous research.

Meanwhile, Mekhi refaxed you the sheet from Serenitatis University. Did you receive it? Are there any more files you need to help me get my private tutoring money reimbursed? Any word, yet, on the money that’s supposed to be sent by that education organization? We could use that sum several times over; we’re still paying for Rasmus’ tutoring, too.

Serilda

 

****

 

Serilda:

 

I always love hearing from you! I think you will be happier once you “graduate” to autonomous research.

I received the fax and will get the ball rolling. I still don't know if I can secure funds to reimburse your tutoring costs. I will keep you posted.

 

Putri

 

****

 

Friends,

 

OK, so you all remember how I told you that I was gonna’ come visit in the summer of 3007? Well, it’s almost time. I talked to Mom about it. I told her how much I really, really wanted to return to Earth, and, well, she understood. 

She understood why I would wanna come and she agreed with me, but we have no means of getting me there this Sunfall, so I’m sorry. I know I said that I was gonna come soon, but I’m not. I really tried, but it’s not gonna happen. You should come and visit me, though!!! And, of course, you should all move here!

Ok, I have more news, but I don’t know if you people even wanna hear any more, so yeah, if you’re not brave, don’t scroll down

Ok, here it is: I’m coming, after all, during Sunfall!!!! For those of you who already guessed, either based on the questions I’ve been asking, or because you are psychic, way to go! Yep, I’m coming in two rotations!!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH it’s seventy-five per cent “yes” and that number gets higher every day, though we won’t know for sure until a week before my trip. Plus, I’m coming with my dad, who has to come for work, so it depends on him.

So, I wanna talk at your schools about Lunar Charities Inc. collect money, and come for the day and stuff.  So, can you send me your principals’ phone numbers and ping addresses? SEEEE YOUUUU SOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!

 

Zalikii

 

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Hi Serilda!

Springtime was very nice. Mekhi did call and I told him we would love to have him and Zalikii visit. I also invited the Ines Family for a fortnight.  If there are some girls that Zalikii would like to see, we would be happy to invite them. Your government is generous in supplying us with funds for your family’s visit.

Meanwhile, we will be missing you and thinking about you while Zalikii and Mekhi are here. Take care and be well.

Love,

Kalene

 

****

 

Fanchon:

 

Zalikii will be visiting for a little more than a season, and raising money for Lunar Charities Inc. an important organization that feeds impoverished immigrants to the moon. Please help Zalikii raise funds. Checks, all of which are tax deductible, can be made payable to: “Lunar Charities Inc.” and left at the Lucia Family's house. Thank-you.

Meanwhile, Akello asked to visit us for all of Nightfall, I told her I couldn't accommodate her and her six children as our home has limited guest pods. If she came alone, she could visit, or, if she came with Bran, we’d have enough space. Anyway, I haven't heard from her since. I asked one of my other friends, who lives in the same absorption center, to greet her.

I wish I could attend your wedding, too. I'll be thinking of you! Good luck with the relocation. It sounds as if you are taking smart steps around your transition. What does your future husband do for a living? How movable are his kids? So many factors are in flux in your life.

I heard that your future husband’s city is supposed to have an active science community. Either way, good things will happen! I love you soooo much!

Serilda

****

Hey Serilda!

 

Long time no ping. How are you? What's new? I saw Mekhi and Zalikii the other week. Zalikii looked adorable. She's really blossoming into a beautiful young woman. She looks sooo much like you!

It was so nice to hear from you and to receive information about Zalikii’s efforts on behalf of Lunar Charities Inc. Why are you a chemist and not a fundraiser?

How are you all?  Though I know it's hard, I trust y'all are integrating into lunar society. I hope you are enjoying Sunfall!  Our springtime was wonderful; the weather outside was problematic, but inside all was warm and sweet. 

I wrote Akello some time ago and also haven't heard from her. Are you two in touch? How is she? I am sending you an invite to our wedding party. I know you can't make it, but I wanted to send you an invite, anyway.

We’re doing the wedding in two parts. In the morning, we will be getting married at Luca Brown’s farm. The next day, we'll host a dessert reception at our community’s police department. Did you know they rent out a catering hall? There will be very few people at the actual wedding and only about one hundred people at the reception. I wish you could come!

 

Love,

Fanchon

 

****

 

Professor Akio:

 

Thank-you for your kind ping. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to respond to you.

I understand that Zalikii was able to see you. I’m glad. When you and your family come to the moon, please visit us. If your stay is brief, please, at least call and say “hi.”

We are integrating to various degrees. Life is full of tests, that is, of passages that are meant to refine us. The difference is that we are now receiving that refinement here!

Please give my warmest regards to your department’s staff.

 

Warmly,

Serilda Akila

 

****

 

Serilda,

 

It was great to get a chance to spend a few minutes with Zalikii. She looks great and seems to be happy and handling the transition well. Her eyes, as always, are bright.  She gave me a run-down on your homefront and all sounds great, albeit hectic. 

Next to moving to Luna, ourselves, it's nice to be able to close our eyes and pretend.  The pretend approach does avoid some of the messier aspects, but, of course, doesn't carry with it the wonderful aspects. 

We surely will get in touch when we get back to the moon. Even though we have gone regularly, each summer, for the last number of years, this summer looks bleak in that regard. Our daughter’s moving to another city and we want to help her and our son-in-law settle in (our son-in-law finally finished his training and will actually begin being gainfully employed as a professional.) In any case, if not this summer, then we hope to visit, again, at latest, next summer.

 

Be Well!

Professor Akio

 

****

 

Oh Mom,

 

I’m so conflicted and confused. This trip just wasn’t what I expected. It’s not that I was disappointed-- it’s the opposite; I feel like I’ve never left. I wanna talk to you about it when I get home.

Love You,

Zalikii

 

****

 

Zalikii:

 

I await your return home with open arms!

People with balanced character, i.e. with good self-esteem, who have been educated in the ways of compassion, find friends, and happiness wherever they go. Your cognitive dissonance is not a sign of disloyalty to the moon, but is the remarkable blessing of being loved and of knowing how to love.

Love,

Mom

****

 

Mom,

 

So, I went to a STEM meeting last night with the Valentina daughters and I saw Arianna Helen and Amrita Calithea there. I have so much to tell you, but I only have ten mins ‘til the shuttle. Just wanted to say I love you.

Love,

Zalikii

 

****

Zalikii,

 

I'm glad you made it to STEM. I can't wait to hear about the rest of your day!

 

Love,

Mom

****

 

Rasmus,

 

You can only go to the Earth if Dad will also be traveling there. Ask Dad if he is planning a trip next Sunfall.

If Dad goes on business, you could ask some of your relatives for a ticket. We’re a little tight, so if no one wants to gift you the ride, you might have to wait a bit.

My other conditions are: Galaxy Speak lessons completed, other high school prep, as your tutor deems necessary, completed, and a week or two of camp to improve your Galaxy Speak.

 

Love,

Mom

 

****

 

Serilda:

 

We would love Rasmus to come for a visit this summer. We would sure love to see him.

We would love to see you, too. Do you think that might be possible?

I am deciding if/when I am going to send my little guy to overnight camp. So, if you think Rasmus might be coming, please let me know as soon as possible and please let me know his schedule. Of course, we understand if he cannot make it this summer, but we would love to see him.

 

Love,

Fanchon

 

****

 

Elqenna:

 

Our next “Girls' Get Together" will be in one rotation. Are you game?

How is your foot?  It sounds like good news on the romantic front. Just be careful not to get hurt. Review those questions I pinged you. Keep me up to date.

 

Serilda

 

****

 

Serilda :

 

I will be on Earth during the next rotation, at Galaxy Speak Lodge, which is basically a big sleepaway camp for business professionals. In exchange for my talking to them in Galaxy Speak all day, my room, board, and roundtrip transportation are paid. 

I wish that I could come see you, beforehand, for a quick lunch. Can we work that out? I know you have a busy schedule.

Jibri and I are having ups and downs, but we are communicating much better. I will keep those questions in mind. Don't worry. I make my own gut check almost every day because of his prior infidelity. No more rose-colored glasses!

My ankle is not so well, actually. The swelling is still very much there. Thank you for asking. I’m still in pain.

Elqenna

 

****

 

Elqenna;

 

Your trip to Galaxy Speak Lodge sounds awesome. Getting your vacation paid for sounds smart. You are one savvy gal. Fanaka say "hi;" she's rocketing to the moon in two cycles. Do you want to join us when she’s here?

Have you taken your foot to a doctor appointment? Just asking. Keep in touch!

 

Serilda

 

****

 

Serilda:

I'll have to let you know later what my schedule looks like. I don't want to book anything right now. My headspace is all over the place with my new job, my new apartment, Jibri, various government office snafus, and more. Life!

Ok, I’m off to the medico building to return my crutches. Woo hoo!

Elqenna

 

****

 

Elqenna:

 

Maybe once your finances are more solid, you will be able, again, to buy a motorcycle. I’m glad to hear that you graduated to an air cast! What's next?

Send me pix of your new apartment. Do you think you will marry Jibri? What's with the government offices?

Let me know about visiting in two cycles. Fanaka wants to see you. Get well soon!

 

Love,

Serilda

 

****

 

Serilda:

How was “Girls’ Get Together?”

Our new apartment’s been a hassle and I need to rocket off to Earth very soon. First, the landlord told me he would install a kitchen before we moved in. The day we moved in, the installation was still incomplete. The workers said something about weremen and patience. So, Jibri and I stayed in our crater’s only hostel—it was very expensive.

I now have a sink, but no shelving. As well, our apartment smells a bit like the reconstituted food factory in our neighborhood, but at least we have an invection stove and, hence, can cook.

Jibri and I are doing great. We had a super serious talk about our past and about what we're looking for in a restored relationship.  

Elqenna

 

****

 

Hi Elqenna!

 

We're going to miss you at our next “Girls’ Get Together.” Hopefully, you can join us once you return from Earth.

It sounds like you and Jibri are being careful. Please take care of yourself. You are precious.

Send updates on the apartment and on the rest of your goings-on, too. Your volley.

 

Love,

Serilda

 

****

Folks:

 

I need to find a safe, clean place to take my preteen daughter to get her ears pierced. Please ping me your recommendations.

Thanks!

Serilda Akila

 

****

 

Serilda:

 

We hired that old female from Jupitar to pierce my daughter's ears. She claims to have been piercing ears for over two centuries. Either way, her work is sterile, gentle, and quick.  I don't remember her ping address, but I can find out, if you'd like. Good luck!

 

Iyabo

 

****

 

Iyabo:

 

Thank you VERY much! We had a good experience.

   
Serilda

 

****

 

Dr. Akila:

 

I went through your research and called some of the folks listed on your CV. However, before making any decision about your candidature as a freelance chemist and assigning you work, I would appreciate if you would evaluate the attached equations.

 
Regards,
Dr. Anupam Agnihorti

 

****

 

Dr. Agnihorti: 

 

I previewed all of the equations that you attached. They are similar to some of the ones that were rejected by NASA fifty years ago. My minor was in silicon life forms. I think the Venusians would be insulting by these expressions.

Moreso, the emphasis in all of these calculations seems to be on what we old-timers call "colorful equalities," with a bit of Earthly algebra thrown in (the abelian groups ought to be corrected to at least another decimal. Worse, there are distributivity problems throughout the work.)

I believe you are looking for someone to quickly crunch a lot of numbers. I came to the moon to escape crass commerce. Although I like whiz bang findings as much as the next lunar scientist, I also insist on careful calculations. Thus, I graciously decline any of your future offers.

 

Dr. Serilda Akila

 

****

 

Dondi:

 

The other night, I said to Mekhi that without the encouragement that you have been giving me, I might never have returned to autonomous research. Accordingly, the least I could do was to write a letter on your behalf. I hope it helped.

Anyway, I have a story for you. There was a Martian, who, when she met me, couldn't get over, in an uncomplimentary way, that I wasn't Lunar-born. I shrugged at her, figuratively, and continued to be gracious to her, anyway.

Time passed. She said the warmth I extended to her was unique, and especially needed during her immigration year, particularly in certain situations in which other Luna dwellers hadn't realized that she “needed a hug” (which appendage gets hugged?) The point is that our deeds count. End of story. Not.

Recently, the same lady, who claims I am one of the reasons she is happy here, asked why I don't write about being an Earthling. Again, I figuratively shrugged at her. I answered her with two responses, a superficial one and a deeper one.

Superficially, writing on that topic already exists. More deeply, I do a disservice to other immigrants if I focus on differences.

I embrace my life, here. Intentionally, or not, I model that progress in adjusting is not a unidirectional business. It's painful to me when I hear folk emphasize differences. Our lives are not supposed to be about creating excuses for separating ourselves from each other. All of us need to be reaching, in our own ways, at our own paces, from our own points of departure.

 

Love,

Serilda

 

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