Committee Room-3

The Moon, which has always been the closest place to us throughout history, is now farther from Earth than it has ever been.

Eiji: "What do you know about the Moon, Aozora?"

This question catches me off guard. I didn’t expect the president to try convincing me. However, I suspect he’s asking to test my knowledge. If that’s the case, he might actually want me to join the committee.

I take a moment to think. I realize a clever answer might be expected for such a question. I go over potential responses in my mind.

Should I reply wittily, or give an overly serious answer? Perhaps admitting I don’t know is the best choice. After making my decision, I calmly respond to his question.

Aozora: "The Moon, in its current state, symbolizes the greatest social separation in human history. For nearly half a century, we’ve lived completely oblivious to them. Our neighbors, who are so close to us, have become strangers."

Eiji leans his shoulder against the glass, then rests the side of his head on it, turning his gaze toward the Moon. His breath fogs up the glass as he exhales. He watches the Moon for a while before speaking, his tone filled with doubt.

Eiji: "But at one time, it represented humanity’s greatest achievement beyond Earth and was a source of immense pride. It symbolized hope for our future."

I know he’s right. For thousands of years, humanity couldn’t leave its birthplace. The Earth was a wall that defined our limits for millennia.

Humanity’s beginning to live on the Moon was a beacon of hope, signifying that we had surpassed our boundaries. But things turned out far differently than expected.

Eiji: "Do you know why Earth lost the Moon?"

Aozora: "Because of the Great Catastrophe."

Eiji: "Because of the Great Catastrophe."

He repeats my words.

Eiji: "Exactly. The Earth didn’t just lose billions of lives or the greatest civilization it had ever built. It also lost its optimistic outlook on the future. The Catastrophe robbed us of two things we still haven’t regained: our tolerance and our compassion."

I ponder what he’s trying to convey.

What does the Moon have to do with this?

I think about the limited information available on the Moon.

After the effects of the Catastrophe subsided, it was as if Earth erased its memory. No one cared about what happened before the Catastrophe. Information was destroyed, and the Moon was painted as a traitor and a stranger. They had supposedly abandoned us in our time of need. They were no longer one of us—or so we were told.

Was that the truth, or was there another reality? I feel the need to give a bolder response.

Aozora: "Once, we lived together. But now, a vast, impenetrable void of space separates us. They benefited from our resources, just as we did, but now they’re on their own, just like us."

Eiji turns his gaze to me, staring intently without blinking for a moment. Then he shifts his attention to Mari.
Eiji: "Impressive that you figured this out in just one day. My respect for you keeps growing, Mari."
A shy smile spreads across Mari’s face.

Mari: "It wasn’t just one day, Eiji-san."

She glances at me, smiling warmly.

Eiji steps closer to the table, waving his hand over the hologram, flipping through several displays. He stops once he finds what he’s looking for. With his back still to me, he speaks calmly.

Eiji: "This project holds more value than you can imagine, Aozora. The government plans to establish a separate institution for it. Right now, no one realizes its significance. Unlike you, most people have no idea about the Moon. And the few who do understand its importance are already ready to tear each other apart to lead this institution. If you play an active role in the project, you’ll likely become highly valuable in the government’s eyes."

I weigh his words carefully. If he’s right, this could be a monumental opportunity for me after graduation. In today’s world, where everyone has easy access to information, competition is fiercer than ever. This could be my chance to stand out.

But I question whether I’m truly suited for this mission. If the project’s goal is to facilitate communication between the two societies, I wonder how difficult that might be for me. If it were solely related to my field of expertise, I’d feel much more confident. But when it involves people... I decide to voice my concerns.
Aozora: "If this only required me to do what I’m good at, I’d say it’s an opportunity I can’t miss. But..."
Before I can finish, Eiji cuts in.

Eiji: "You’re overthinking it, Aozora. When it comes to politics, doing your job perfectly doesn’t matter. Politics is all about appearances. It’s not about how you do things but how you show them. Just follow instructions—it’ll be enough. And you won’t be alone..."

He spreads his arms to gesture at himself and the entire committee room.
He must mean I need to join the committee. If I take this on, I’ll be taking on the responsibility of being part of a team. But...

I feel a pang of hesitation. If I want to gain something from this, there’s no avoiding the sacrifices. I keep listening to Eiji.

Eiji: "...The committee will support you in this. Mari will act as your advisor, and Hikari will assist you with communication with the Council of Project Planning and Inspection. As for me..."
Aozora: "And you?"

A playful expression crosses his face. He narrows his eyes, smirking confidently.

Eiji: "...I’ll help keep your spirits up."

Ironically, it’s such a critical(!) role. I can’t help but think he’s as lazy and prone to delegating tasks as everyone suspects.

Aozora: "Thank you, Eiji-san. I’ll definitely need it."

Eiji: "Don’t worry. Despite how I seem, I’m excellent at this. Besides, isn’t it a president’s duty to take on the hardest task, Aozora?"

Aozora: "You’re right."

I nod in agreement. He’s acting as though I’ve already accepted, even though I haven’t made my decision. I didn’t expect Hiroto Eiji to be such an easygoing person.

Eiji: "I especially love smart people like you the most."


Mari: "Don’t worry, Aozora-kun. If you decide to work with us, I’ll help you with everything."

I turn to Mari. She’s the one who got me into this in the first place. But now, I can’t find a reason to be upset with her. She’s probably just doing what’s expected of her. Besides, I feel I can trust her when it comes to offering help.

Aozora: "Thank you for inviting me, Class Rep-san."

A hint of hesitation crosses her face. She might think I’ll reject their offer after everything that’s been discussed.

Before the president arrived, I was certain about my decision. After all, the outcome of this project is uncertain. The chances of failure are high, especially with the Lunar government involved. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do, and I’ll need the committee’s support.

How much more could this situation possibly work against me? But I also know this is a significant opportunity for my future. Ignoring it wouldn’t be wise. I bow slightly toward Mari.

Aozora: "Mari-san, please help me while I undertake this task."

A serene smile, like the one she had when we first met, graces Mari’s face.

Mari: "Of course."

Her eyes crinkle as she smiles. The cool breeze from the open window plays with her hair, making it ripple gently.