6.1 - To The Moon

Timeline Omega

Former USA

Former Texas

Free Academic City of Austin

2023.11.07

09:09:09 Central Time

“What’s that supposed to mean? That wasn’t an answer at all!” complained Rosa as she finished her plate.

“Take it or leave it,” said Selena. “Speaking of leaving, we could depart any minute now, if you’re ready.”

“Isn’t the main teleportation hub an hour away by foot?” asked Rosa.

“Don’t worry,” said Selena. “I’ve got special permits. Direct trip to the moon.”

Selena checked her surroundings twice, then, what seemed like half a dozen artificial metallic butterflies took flight as she finished her sentence.

“Actually,” said Selena, “one of my longest distances was all the way to Europa."

“To Europe?” asked Rosa. “I am pretty damn sure the Moon is farther away from Texas than France or Spain.”

“Not Europe, the continent,” said Selena. “Europa, the Jupiter Moon. My current distance record is about 7 AU.”

“Huh?” asked Rosa dumbfounded.

“Don’t ‘huh’ me,” said Selena, “Just so you know, I am considered an ACE even among the Transportation Corp.”

One butterfly settled down on Rosa’s left shoulder.

Her sight seemed to fade.

Moments later, both of them stood on a small hill, surrounded by a lush park, under a big dome, and Rosa’s gaze fell on what could only be described as an Earth rise in the far distance behind a small grey mountain that must have been part of a lunar crater.