Populate the Moon II (Naughty Reads)
John and Misty made it to the mining station on the dark side of the moon just in time. During their transport from Dark Side 1, an entire mining level in Light Side 1 collapsed. While John and Misty are grateful, they wonder if this station will be any better, and if they'll be able to fulfill their duties and return to Earth at the end of their contracts.
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Chapter 1 - Exploring the Dark Side Mining Station
Misty Arva drank two glasses of wine before deciding to take a walk through her and John’s new living habitat.
She stood from the couch and looked around. It was spacious, and she thought there were a lot more features in this living space versus the one she had on the other station. Of course, this station was built after the one on the light side of the moon, so she expected some things to be better, and one of them better be the safety. She was pretty sure she’d lose her shit if this one also fell into a crater in the moon.
As she walked through the space, the first thing she noticed was the large, panoramic window. Jack wasn’t lying. It overlooked the vast lunar landscape. The glass was thick and tinted. She wasn’t sure why it was tinted though. There was no sun on this side, but there had to be a reason. Still, the stars were not obscured by the glass. If anything, they looked enhanced, shining bright in the pitch-black sky.
The rest of the room was just as impressive, with sleek, modern furnishings and high-tech gadgets. The walls were covered in a smooth, metallic material that seemed to glow under the ceiling lights. This room was definitely meant to be an observatory.
Next, Misty decided to check out the bedroom. It was large, and the bed, which was situated along the far wall was twice the size of the one in her other room. She was unsurprised that the bedding was silver. The company that designed these spaces did well, but it appeared that they took some of their cues from the science fiction movies of over two-hundred years ago.
On the opposite side of the bedroom, Misty spotted a sleek, black desk with a built-in computer. She stepped closer. The screen was large and curved, and the screensaver was that of a high-resolution image of the lunar surface. A holographic keyboard hovered in front of the screen as if it were waiting for her to type something.
Misty took a step back. The keyboard disappeared. When she stepped closer, it reappeared. She laughed. There had to be a motion detector built into the screen.
Next, Misty decided to take a look at the bathroom. It was just as impressive as the observatory and bedroom. There was an all-glass shower with a large nozzle near the ceiling. It looked like the moon’s version of a waterfall or rainfall showerhead.
Next to the shower was a bar that held the towels. Surprisingly, those were fluffy and white and not at all like the thermal-blanket-like towels at the other mining station.
Next, Misty decided to explore the galley. When she stepped into the room, she realized it was more like a kitchen she’d find on Earth. A drawer contained a ton of hard-to-find teas and coffees. The refrigerator was full of snacks, meats and vegetables. There was also an oven and a pantry filled with spices and baking needs.
“Just a touch of home,” Misty said to herself.
Of course, the kitchen also contained an automatic food maker, an automatic drink machine and a fridge full of alcoholic beverages.
Lastly, Misty decided to step into the medical room. This one was just as brightly lit as the rest of the apartment, and it resembled the medical suite on Light Side One. She could see white walls and a glossy, metallic floor. A large medical bed dominated the center of the room, complete with all manner of high-tech monitoring equipment and life support systems.
There was also the medical robot, which was now walking toward her. Except, this didn’t look like the robot at the other station. It was very human in its appearance. It had arms, legs, a torso and a head. The only thing that clued her into its robotic nature were its eyes. They were much larger than a human’s and were obviously made of glass.
“Good evening,” the doctor bot said.
“Good evening,” Misty said. “Do you have a name?”
“Doctor B, or just doctor,” he said.
Misty grinned. “No bonus points for creativity.”
“No, ma’am,” he said. “You can rename me if you wish.”
“Maybe later,” Misty said. “I was just taking a look around.”
“Oh, so you don’t want your entrance physical?”
“Not right this second,” Misty said.
“No problem, but you will need it before you leave this apartment,” Doc B said.
“All right. In a few minutes then,” Misty said.
“Please, take a look around. I think you’ll find this medical facility much better than the one on the light side of the moon.”
Misty nodded and turned her attention to a large cabinet. It was filled with an array of medical supplies and equipment, including everything from manual surgical tools to high-tech diagnostic scanners. A small desk with a computer and holographic interface was located nearby, allowing for easy access to patient records and medical data.
On the other side of the room, Misty saw a state-of-the-art medical imaging machine.
“What’s that for?” she asked.
“That is a diagnostic tool. If you break a bone or have a deep injury, I can look at it first there before rendering treatment.”
“They didn’t have that on the other side,” Misty said.
“It’s a new piece of technology,” Doctor B said. “The medical bed in the center is where I would do any procedures. Major procedures.”
“Would I also perform my duties there?” Misty asked.
“Duties.” He paused while he cross-referenced Misty’s job. “Oh, no. This way.”
The docbot led her over to a padded chair. “This is where the births take place.”
“Okay. I’m familiar with that. There’s a drop-through in the floor?”
“A tube. It will raise and take it automatically,” Doctor B said.
Misty nodded. “In that case, I’m ready for my physical.”
The docbot led her over to a chair that was neither the birthing chair nor the medical bed. “This is the physical chair.”
Misty sat down in the chair.
“The first part is completed with sensors. Just sit still,” he said.
Misty waited, sitting as still as possible while the docbot's sensors measured her heart rate, blood pressure, and who knew how many other health indicators. Medical technology had really gotten advanced over the last couple generations.
Next, Doctor B directed Misty to stand on a set of scales built into the floor. As she stood on the platform, the bot measured her weight and body mass index, providing a detailed analysis of her body composition and overall health.
“You’re height and weight are perfect, but do not lose any more weight,” Doc B said.
“Is that it?” Misty asked.
“It is. You’re as healthy as a horse, as they say,” docbot said.
“Do I need my injections?” Misty asked.
Docbot paused while he referenced her medical files. “No. They have actually given you too much. Tomorrow will be your first injection here.”
“New dosing?” she asked.
“Yes. I am updated with the latest medical knowledge. Not that the other docbot was wrong, but we’ve since realized that you do not need as much.”
“Then, I’m going to go explore the station,” Misty said. “Do I need a key to get back inside?”
“No, the door will automatically open for you. You were scanned when you entered,” docbot said.
“Thank you.” Misty walked out of the clinic room through the habitat and out the front door into the hall.
She hadn’t paid much attention when they walked through the first time, but the hall looked very similar to the apartments. It appeared to be made with the same type of metal. Though, it didn’t appear to be painted or glossed.
She turned toward her and John’s door. They weren’t quite at the end of the hall. That explained the layout of their living quarters. It seemed to go forward for quite a distance, and she could now see that there was a window at the very end of the hall.
Misty walked over toward it and looked out across the lunar landscape. It was stark and rocky but surprisingly well-lit. There appeared to be exterior lights on the building. However, there was no attempt to make the exterior ground look like Earth. There was no grass or trees or whatever fake material they would have used to create those.
Misty walked down to the other end of the hall with the elevator. She looked at the placard on the wall. It listed the floors and what was on them.
The higher levels were all living areas. Misty didn’t see the market or entertainment areas until she realized they’d put them on level 1. The docking level was above level 1, and it was simply labeled DOCKING.
“Oh, how interesting,” she said to herself. She bet all the restaurants and recreation rooms had great views of any leaving or coming shuttles, and being so high up, they also probably had a great view of the surface of the moon.
Misty pressed the UP button and waited for the elevator. When it opened, she started to step inside.
“You ventured out,” John said as he grabbed her and hugged her.
“I got bored in the apartment,” Misty said. “Aren’t you supposed to be mining?”
“I’m on lunch. It’s an hour over here, so I have time to come up and eat,” John said. “Have you eaten?”
“Not yet. I had some wine, I was about to go up to the recreation level,” Misty said.
“Well, hell. Let’s get some dinner,” John said.
Misty kissed him as he pressed the button for the dining and recreation floor.
“I could get used to this,” John said just as they were interrupted by the door opening.
Misty stepped away from him. “Fast elevator.”
“I’m sure that’s by design.” John stepped off and walked down the corridor with Misty.
“Not enough time to do anything,” Misty said.
John chuckled. “Well, if we eat quick…”
Misty laughed. “Wouldn’t you need a shower first?”
“And after, so it may not be a good idea,” John said. “At least, not right now.”
“When does your shift end?” Misty asked as they walked up to a restaurant?”
“In about five hours,” John said. “These aren’t the marathon shifts like they were at the other station, but that reminds me, I need to get you a copy of my schedule.”
“I need that. I don’t think you’d appreciate coming home to my working,” Misty said.
“I don’t think I would, but I understand that you have to work,” John said.
“Should we talk about that now?” Misty asked.
John contemplated. “I guess we should, but I didn’t mean for this to be a serious dinner.”
“Let’s discuss it now. That way we can relax when you get back after your shift,” Misty said.
“I like your thinking,” John said just as a man approached them.
“Two to be seated?” he asked.
“Yes, we’d like a table out of the way, if that’s possible,” John said.
“Of course. This way,” the waiter said.
Misty followed the waiter with John.
“Are you guys new?” the waiter asked as he showed them to a table at the back of the restaurant. “This has the best view.”
“We just got here earlier today,” John said as he sat down. “I’m already on my first shift, but they give some generous meal breaks.”
“They do. Every miner gets an hour,” the waiter said. “I’ll let the kitchen know you’re on lunch so they’ll rush your order.”
“Appreciate it,” John said.
“What can I get you to drink?” he asked.
“What’s available?” John asked.
“Just about anything you want,” the waiter said. “We’re well stocked.”
“Then, I’ll have a cherry soda,” John said.
“And for you, ma’am?”
“Same,” Misty said. “Oh, but with a splash of vanilla.”
“We can do that. I’ll be right back with your drinks.”
“So, you’re going to give me your schedule,” Misty said.
“Yes,” John said. “I think that would be good so that your clients and I don’t accidentally cross paths.”
“Of course. I completely agree,” Misty said. “And all the rooms are there. Mostly. I saw three bedrooms, the flexroom, office and two bathrooms.”
“We might be missing a few rooms,” John said. “Was there a view?”
“Oh, it has an observation room. It’s amazing,” Misty said.
“That’s probably where the other rooms went. Not every habitat has windows,” John said. “But here’s a question for you…”
“What?” Misty asked.
“They pay you on… uh… output, right?”
“Right,” Misty said.
“Were there any rules about DNA diversity?” John asked.
Misty laughed. “That’s one way to put it. No. They’re just concerned about output.”
“Do you have a quota?” John asked.
“Not exactly,” Misty said. “But they expect at least one a month.”
John contemplated. “So, what if they were all mine?”
“I hadn’t considered that,” Misty said. “I guess they could be, but what would I do? I mean… In my spare time.
“Do you have any hobbies?” John asked.
“Not really,” Misty said. “I guess I could look into some. I mean, I’m not opposed to your idea.”
“Well, think about it,” John said. “If there’s no rule against it…”
“I will,” Misty said. “You bring up a good point.”
“Got your drinks,” the waiter said as he walked up to the table and set them in front of John and Misty. “Do you know what you’d like to eat?”
“I’ll take a hamburger and fries,” John said. “Jalapeno burger, cheese, loaded fries.”
The waiter wrote it down. “And for you?”
“Hamburger and fries with cheese. I’ll skip the peppers,” Misty said.
“I’ll get that to the kitchen and right out,” the waiter said.
“Thank you,” John said then turned to Misty. “Do you like jalapenos?”
“I do, but they can do some scary things to my butt,” Misty said.
John laughed. “I’m sure my coworkers will love me for my lunch choice, but it should be done talking by the time I get home.”
“Well, that’s good. It could be a turn-off if it’s still talking when you get home,” Misty said.
“That it could,” John said with a grin. “I wouldn’t want to get started and then blow up the bedroom.”
Misty laughed and shook her head. “Speaking of things blowing up. Have you heard anything about the other station?”
“It’s a mess,” John said. “They were talking about it down on the levels.”
“Are you mining yet?”
“No. We’re still getting the equipment checked and ready. It’ll be a week before they start the actual mining. That much was true about the information I read.”
“Okay. What about the collapse?” Misty asked.
“Well, we missed the big one while we were transporting over,” John said. “I think they said level thirteen pretty much fell in on itself. It’s so bad, they’ve requested extra supplies from Earth, and everyone has been moved to temporary pods.”
“What? What are temporary pods?” Misty asked.
“For each mining station, they have to have enough exterior pods to house fifty-percent of the crew,” John said. “It’s in case of this exact thing.”
“Shouldn’t it be 100 percent?” Misty asked.
“No, they do some funny math for it. They figure 25 percent will transfer to another station. Twenty-five will stay on site to do repairs and half the crew will go back to Earth,” John said. “If that doesn’t happen, people get to double-up, or they have to get creative.”
“Ew,” Misty said.
“Right,” John said. “We got out just in time because as of right now, they are still transferring people to pods, and the first ship to Earth has left.”
“What happened to Zane?” Misty asked.
“They didn’t specifically say. I’m guessing he’s either put in a transfer, or he’s on the cleanup crew,” John said. He stopped talking when the waiter brought their food.
“Talking about the collapse at Light Side?” the waiter asked as he sat their large plates in front of them.
“We are. I guess level 13 gave up,” John said.
“That’s what they’re saying,” the waiter said. “They said three people died.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it was more,” John said. “That place was shaking and rattling like a dump truck.”
“This one is built on thicker soil,” the waiter said.
“With better beams,” John said.
“Anyway, I know you’re on a time crunch. I’ll let you eat,” the waiter said.
Misty and John ate their food.
John asked for the bill once they were finished.
“Do you want me to just put this on your account? It’ll be subtracted out of your next check,” the waiter said.
“That would be fine.” John pulled out his badge so the waiter could scan it.
“Actually, it’s tied to your table. Just pass your badge over this silver coin-looking thing,” the waiter said.
“Oh. Great.” John swiped his badge over the spot.
“All taken care of. Have a nice evening,” the waiter said.
Misty and John walked out of the restaurant. “How much time do you have left?”
John looked at his watch. “Enough time to get back to the level. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Can I see it?” Misty asked.
“I’ll have to ask and get you a pass as a visitor. They’re open to that. They want the family to see and understand what we do. I’ll try and get one for tomorrow. If not, the next day,” John said.
“All right. I’ll see you when you get home,” Misty said.
She stepped out of the elevator when they got to their habitat level while John continued to ride it down to the mining levels.