Please come

[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 27-08-2119 13:43, Orlando FL, USA, Earth

Hey. It’s me. We met this morning. On the bus. I am the boy that asked your contact information. Terribly forward of me, I know. Almost impolite. I just noticed that I kinda ambushed you, so I am sorry if you felt pressured. That was kind of stalk-y and creepy. Sorry. So. I am the creepy boy. Hi.

To be honest, I do not know if you will receive this message. I am still deciding if this is a real contact address or just an elaborate rejection method. I gotta say, I was shocked when you took out pen and paper (who carries paper on the twenty-second century?) and you wrote a short line with an address I have never seen before. It took me a while to learn what an “email” even was. Kind of fun, this tech archaeology stuff. I had to find a service provider at a vintage tech forum to create an account. It only took me a few hours. Hooray. But now, I have to write something. A letter (again, who writes letters on this century?) to tell you why I talked to you on the bus. To put it succinctly:

Dear stranger,

I have fallen in love with you. Instantly, assuredly, indefinitely. The moment my eyes fell on you was the moment my life was permanently unraveled. I can feel my mind fraying, the threads of my mind scattered away as your smile cuts through me, sharp steel to my thin cloth. Your fluffy dark hair put a shroud over my past. The honey of your eyes sticks to my every thought. The silk of your skin makes me shiver when my memory touches it. I saw you bob your head to the music in your headphones, and now I want to learn an instrument. I asked about your hometown, and now I want to be a citizen. Your sweet laugh still resonates in my ears. I was so enthralled I have no recollection of what I said that made you laugh so, but I would give away all my wit if I could hear it once more .

I do not know if you feel the same. Or if this just solidifies my creepy boy image in your head and I put you off. Or if this email address is even a real one, and you will receive none of my words. But if you do, please answer me. I will do anything to make you laugh, again and again and again.

With Expectations and Dread,

Ariel

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[selenespacer97@spacemail.com] 27-08-2119 16:20 Orlando FL, USA, Earth

Dear Ariel,

It’s me. The girl. Who writes letters. Do you have a problem with that?

I remember you. You are the cute creepy boy that was looking at me on the bus. Not just today. You have been looking at me for the last two weeks, every day, on the bus at 8:27. That was a bit stalk-y. But the reason I know that, is because I was looking at you too. Since way before then. So I am a creepy girl too, apparently. Yay. But I fell for you first, so all of this is your fault. After all, you did not need to smile all the goddamn time. Nor did you have to be so fit, and your hair so smooth, and your eyes so blue. Ugh. Even your smell was sweet. That is absolutely unfair, illegal even. I hate how you are so kind to everyone you encounter, from giving your seat to old ladies to help new arrivals to navigate the stations. Do you know how infuriating it is to see that you actually like helping other people? It makes me feel like I should be a better person. Great. Now I wonder if I am good enough for you. Are you happy now?

You do not remember what you told me that made me laugh? Unbelievable. The nerve. I will refresh your memory. I explained to you something I have told very few people in my life. My dream. Everyone else said I was either nutty, a child or selfish when I shared it, so I stopped telling people. But you and your damn smile, your curiosity, got the better of me. I told you.

I told you I wanted to be an spacer, and migrate to the space colonies.

Do you know what you said? You don’t, because you let your mouth go faster than your brain, and now you have given me hope. Someone to share my dream with. If you dare to break my expectations now, I will make you regret the moment you opened your mouth.

You said to me: I will join the Exploration Corps. I will come with you.

…

This is my magnanimous answer to your humble request. Tonight, 8PM, at The Wandering Rock. Behind the Planetology Faculty, because academics always make terrible puns. Do not be late, do not disappoint me.

With even higher Expectations and Dread,

Selene

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 27-08-2119 16:21 Orlando FL, USA, Earth

Dear Selene,

I will be there. And I meant every word. Even the ones I did not think before saying. Specially those.

With Glee and Exhilaration,

Ariel, future spacer.

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[selenespacer97@spacemail.com] 07-07-2120 06:05 Orlando FL, USA, Earth

Hello creepy boy,

Are you up? I bet you are not. Because you are a lazy bum, all day in bed, just like I left you. Drooling.

I am not lazy (like you), so I got up early. Well. By get up, I mean I never slept at all. I was too nervous. You know, with the selection and everything. I went for a walk to calm me down, and sat down at a random 24/7 coffee shop I found. Coffee 8/10, ambience 9/10 btw, I’ll take you here later. The Fast Track Application results were to be published from the Space Development Agency was at 12:00, Brussels time. That is, 5 minutes ago. I already checked. Guess what.

I GOT IN! I AM GOING TO BE A SPACER! I AM GOING TO THE MOON!

Omgomgomgomgomg. I did it. Did I? I did. I still cannot believe it. This has to be a delusion, fueled by lack of sleep and excessive coffee consumption. Me, a spacer? It’s in my email, I know, but that was a boast, not reality. But now it is reality. I guess I won’t need to change my address when I grow up after all. It’s accurate now. I’m ranting. Anyway.

I will receive a call from the USA section for on-boarding to the process at 10AM. They could skip it honestly. Starting September, 6 months Moon-side, 6 months Earth-side, with lectures, practical trainings and work internships sprinkled on top over 2 years. Then I get offered a permanent position at the end if I prove my mettle. Which I will.

I am coming home right now. Running. Wake up already, you lazy bum. You have your courses too in two hours. If you don’t study you will fail again on the pre-selection. You need to catch up with me now. Also, I want to jump your bones before I take that call. So, you know, “get up”. I’m coming.

With an Happy Heart,

Selene, spacer

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 07-07-2121 06:10 Starbase, TX, USA, Earth

I failed the pre-selection. Again. Sorry. Not in the mood to talk.

Aries

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 02-02-2122 08:21 Starbase, TX, USA, Earth

To my dear love,

I am happy.

Happy that you are living your dream, and that it is exactly everything you dreamed for your whole life.

Happy that you are coming home for your Earth-side rotation later this month.

Even happier that you already have a permanent position on a company in Mare Serenitatis City once you finish your training program. You made it, girl. You went and made it, just like that. I am so proud of you.

…

I could not. I failed the exam again. I am number 5006 on the list, much better than the last two attempts. Which is not bad, objectively speaking, when nearly 8M people applied. I am on the top 1%. But only the top 500 gets a spot. You know the drill. You did it. You are a genius. I cannot. You are going to the Moon. Me, I am staying on Earth.

What do we do?

Ariel

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[selenespacer97@spacemail.com] 03-02-2122 21:55 Mare Serenitatis City, Mare Serenitatis, Moon

To Ariel,

Sorry I took so long answering, we got an emergency base depressurization training for two whole days. I am sweaty, tired, hungry and raving mad from listening to blaring alarms. And then, I come to my room to find this message.

I do not understand what you are saying.

What do you mean, stay on Earth? What do you mean, what do we do?

You keep trying. I am so sorry that it did not go well again, but you need to keep trying. You are improving, you said so. You are very close. If money is an issue to keep studying, I can pay for you now. It will be a bit tight, but we will manage. Stop crying already and go study. Do not talk like this is a done deal. You can still fight.

Selene

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 02-03-2122 22:11 Starbase, TX, USA, Earth

To my dear Selene,

you are brilliant and beautiful, but you have one big fault. You do not listen. I am done with the test. Done with studying 6h a day. Done with fighting, and with failing. I will not take the test again. As you said, money is tight, and there are only two real ways to become a spacer: you either have brains, or a deep pocket. I got neither. It is time to be realistic. I won’t get there as fast as you.

I found a job here in Texas. Solid space tech company, one of the old ones in the market, but still among the best. I am learning a lot more here than I ever did at the university. We are working on space mining technologies on medium-low gravity bodies. I have friends, and I got a mortgage for a house. Something cheap that I can pay off fast, an old fixer-upper on the old neighborhood of Starbase. Cause, you know, I will be staying here for a while. It’s your home too. Please come and we can talk about it. I miss you. I have barely seen you since you joined the program. Please come.

With Deep Sorrow and Loneliness,

Aries

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[selenespacer97@spacemail.com] 03-02-2122 23:00 Mare Serenitatis City, Mare Serenitatis, Moon

To Aries,

What is this about a house? A job? You never mentioned it. Stop this bullshit.

I will not come. That is not my home. Space is my home. You promised. I will not come, so you come.

You promised.

With Betrayal and Disappointment,

Selene

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 02-03-2122 23:05 Starbase, TX, USA, Earth

To Selene,

I told you, about everything. You always dismissed it, because you hated it. But you do not listen.

I will come. I want to, you know it. But I cannot come just now. I need money for the ticket. But you can come to me for your last 6 months on Earth, before we are separated long term, until I can pay my way to you. Please come.

Aries

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[selenespacer97@spacemail.com] 03-02-2122 23:06 Mare Serenitatis City, Mare Serenitatis, Moon

Fuck you. Coward. Liar.

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 02-03-2122 23:07 Starbase, TX, USA, Earth

Fuck you. Selfish bitch. Don’t come then. Go enjoy your fucking space alone.

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 09-03-2122 03:25 Starbase, TX, USA, Earth

Hi.

I am sorry of what I said on the last email. I did not mean it. You know I don’t. I wrote in anger, and I am sorry.

Please come. I want to see you. I miss you.

Aries

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 14-02-2123 02:06 Starbase, TX, USA, Earth

Selene,

I know you are receiving my messages. Please answer. Just answer one. You don’t have to tell me anything. I just want to know you are ok. Please write back.

Aries

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 27-08-2124 09:05 Starbase, TX, USA, Earth

Hey spacer,

I saw you latest adventure! It was all over the news. Hero rescues a compromised habitat on a Permanently Shadowed Region, huh? It must have been scary, just a thin spacesuit separating you from rock at -200ºC. A wrong step and your thermal systems would break down. You did not even hesitate for a moment though. You repaired that power cable like it was regular maintenance, directing the workers to re-start the life support system at the same time. Once-on-a-generation talent, they said on the news. Damn right, that’s my girl.

You were always too big for Earth. Too big for me too. I am still doubting that everything since we met on the bus. It was too good to be true anyway. But if you do not answer my emails, so I would not know. Maybe the email address was fake after all. Fitting, for a creepy boy.

Please answer my emails. I am losing my mind.

With Love and Longing and a tiny Pinch of Desperation,

Ariel

P.S. Happy anniversary. Or something. We never officially broke up. So. I do not know if you are seeing someone, if that is the case congratulations are in order, I guess. Or not. Scratch that, definitely not from my side. I am a creepy, jealous boy after all.

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[selenespacer97@spacemail.com] 27-08-2124 23:14 Shackleton City, Lunar South Pole Region, Moon

I do receive your emails. I am not seeing anyone, you idiot. Happy anniversary.

When will you come?

I am waiting for you. It was not a dream. It is still not a dream. Come. I will tell you everything about my adventures. But you need to come.

Selene

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 28-08-2124 00:01 Starbase, TX, USA, Earth

Yes. Soon. I cannot just yet. But soon. Thank you. For answering. For all. I am coming. Just wait and see. I got you something, you will see.

Aries

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 02-01-2125 09:01 Buzz Aldrin Orbital Spaceport, LEO, Earth

To Selene,

you have a package. There should be a message on your system. Go pick it up.

Expectant and Hopeful , and a Tad Bit Nervous,

Ariel

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[selenespacer97@spacemail.com] 02-01-2125 09:15 Shackleton City, Lunar South Pole Region, Moon

Ariel,

did you actually send a physical package to the Moon, you absolute madman? That must have costed an arm and a leg. Aren’t you supposed to be saving money? To, you know, reunite with your very sexy and smart girlfriend who IS STILL WAITING FOR YOU AFTER THREE YEARS (!!). You won’t even accept my savings, and you go and spend yours like it’s dust. Or water, as Earth-bound people say.

Slightly Tired of Waiting,

Selene

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[selenespacer97@spacemail.com] 02-01-2125 09:17 Shackleton City, Lunar South Pole Region, Moon

Why does the log say you are on Low Earth Orbit? Is it a bug? It has never happened before. Gotta report it to the hosting.

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[selenespacer97@spacemail.com] 02-01-2125 09:18 Shackleton City, Lunar South Pole Region, Moon

Are you daft? You sent a letter? An actual paper letter? What is this, the 2010s?

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[selenespacer97@spacemail.com] 02-01-2125 09:23 Shackleton City, Lunar South Pole Region, Moon

What is this

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 02-01-2125 09:24 Buzz Aldrin Orbital Spaceport, LEO, Earth

A ticket. Your ticket. To go to Mars, one-way. Also, a copy of the deed of my Mars Land Allocation lot. Prime flat terrain on Utopia Planitia, with plenty of water ice underground. Perfect for a farm. I am still thinking if we should enclose it and farm it ourselves or rent it out. Oh, I say we because I already put you as co-owner, it’s simpler to add you on creation of the deed.

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[selenespacer97@spacemail.com] 02-01-2125 09:26 Shackleton City, Lunar South Pole Region, Moon

I swear, if this is your idea of a joke I am going to kill you

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 02-01-2125 09:28 Buzz Aldrin Orbital Spaceport, LEO, Earth

Not a joke. Not not a joke either. You see, I love you. A lot. But I grew more and more tired with you telling me to come, come, come. Like I am the one at fault for not randomly dropping to space for a stroll.

When my work mates went independent to create a startup on deep-mining in Martian conditions, they offered me a permanent Field Trial Technician position on site. I was stumped. It was the perfect opportunity for going to space, but not the Moon, where you are now. Not even you have gone to Mars yet, just a select few.

Not even you.

Huh. I can go farther than you, for once. That actually sounds nice. This time, you come. Come with me, to Mars, to our new home.

Smug and Excited/Scared,

Ariel

P.S. There should be something else on the package. Check properly. I really hope it did not get lost on transit.

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[selenespacer97@spacemail.com] 02-01-2125 09:29 Shackleton City, Lunar South Pole Region, Moon

Omg. Is this what I think it is?

Yes. To everything. YES YES YES.

I love the ring.

Packaging my stuff now. Sent my resignation to my boss already. See you on the ship.

Let’s keep the farm. We can be the first weed farmers on Mars.

Love you.

Running Towards You, Your Wife-To-Be,

Selene

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[redaries2097@tradopenmail.com] 02-01-2125 09:29 Buzz Aldrin Orbital Spaceport, LEO, Earth

No, wait, you need to wait for me to ask first. Bend the knee or whatever one does on microgravity.

This did not go quite as planned. We never do things properly. And no weed, it messes with air filters. You should know better than me!

Oh well.

I love you too. See you soon.

With Love, Waiting for You. Your Husband-To-Be,

Ariel

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