Sustainability is the main factor of this story. I wanted to show that a utopia created by humans can have it’s own downfall. I wanted to portray Earth as this planet in which no one can inhabit anymore due to it’s destruction due to human nature. The civilization on the moon is a utopia man has created and sustainability isn’t a problem there. I want to use the character, Apollo, as a point of view. I want readers to use Apollo to see the the Earth’s devastation if it was destroyed by pollution and other environmental factors.  I also want to show that we have to teach young minds about the environment, as well as taking care of it. If we can work together to improve an ecosystem, then environmental issues should be a thing of the past. This whole idea of working together and forgetting is what I’m trying to show.
I’ve always liked writing, preferably creative stories. When I was a kid I thought about being a writer at one point, but I’ve realized that my writing may not be the best or awe inspiring sometimes. I took this opportunity to write a fiction story to see what I could do and how creative I could get. Stemming from writing a research paper, I took those topics, as well as other student’s topics and integrated them into my story.
Starting out this fiction story was difficult because I couldn’t think of what I wanted to write. I didn’t know my characters, my story, a problem, or a resolution. Writing through the story I thought about what I could add on. There have been roadblocks on where I wanted my story to go but I think I did a good job.
Using the “I” voice I started to write in a voice that was similar to my experiences growing up. Having a overbearing mother, overwhelming responsibilities, with a bit of anxiety  are what I’ve went through.
Audience: I want my fellow ENG 100 students to read this story as well as my teacher and TA. If I can captivate my audience enough to tell me that this is a good story then I will be content. I hope my audience gets to see how creative I could get as well as how my writing is. I really want to want my readers to stay invested and interested in this story, so that they will read towards the end.
To The Moon: Humanity’s Second Chance
I live on this utopia. Thriving neighborhoods paved with moonstone sidewalks, cities with buildings using the power of the sun, and the artificial green nature, to redo what we had once destroyed. Life was just as it was back then. Go to school, get a job, and live the rest of your life the way you wanted to. However, learning through textbooks living on the moon seemed a bit barren. The ocean, the sky, the dirt, was all artificial. What once was everyday life, turned into nothing but a dream. Everything is perfect.
The world, what was once a thriving glove full of green life is now grime. War, crime, and careless human activity have turned it into a speck of dust. It is the year 1119 AD (After Desolation). The ancient scientist Charles Darwin once had a concept of survival of the fittest. Those that had the right morals and the right mindset were sent to the moon. Advancements in technology have turned the moon into a dome of sustainability and life, Everyone was born into a utopia, while the rest of humanity survived on Earth and eventually died off.
I wake up as usual, getting up from bed. I walk downstairs and see breakfast already being made by my mother.
“Good morning, Apollo,” my mother said in a joyful tone. She was cooking bacon, my all time favorite food. Along with rice coupled with orange juice. I could almost taste the crispiness.
I turn on the television, and catch up on the news. Cow populations are declining in the Jannsen District, where the Japanese live, and farmers from the Picard District are having trouble growing crops due to lack of sun. I didn’t really think too much of these situations. The Royal Moon government has always had ways to fix situations such as this. My mom finally finishes breakfast, and I start chowing down. I check my watch and notice I have class very soon and that I need to hurry. I’m all packed up and ready to head out to school.
“Bye mom, going to school now,” I yelled.
“Wait! Did you hear the news?” my mother exclaimed back.
“You can tell me later mom! I need to get going” I yelled across the yard.
The sky was just as normal, and artificial. Time is structured the same as it was when Earth was still inhabited. However, time isn’t much of a matter due to the moon dome. The moon dome had been constructed as a secret because the old United Nations hadn’t informed us about the public. The sky is artificial, fake clouds, fake sun, and the weather was adjusted through a Royal thermostat. This way, we don’t have to worry about climate change.
I live in the Imbrium district, which is the capital and the largest district of the moon. The Royal Moon Government lives in the center, while the bustling city surrounds it, along with sprawling neighborhoods.
School is within walking distance, and I see my friend Leiloni in the distance. “Hey Apollo! What’s up?” Leiloni exclaims.
“Nothing much, come on let’s get going” I replied happily. Leiloni is dressed in our school’s white uniform with a red outline and black crest. On her hair, is her favorite hibiscus hairpin. She has the blood of the Hawaiians, which is now an extinct race. However, her family keeps traditions live and well and they refuse to consider their race gone. Leiloni’s family is from the Insularum district, which is also known as the “Sea of Islands.” It’s not too far from Imbrium. My family vacations there because the crater’s have been turned into pockets of ocean, living up to it’s name “Sea of Islands.”
We’re walking down the grass sectioned sidewalk to school. I look around and it’s the same scenery everyday. Floating buildings, flying cars, accompanied with trees and flowers. Walking further, school was in the distance. Millennium High School, is one of the more advanced high schools on the moon. Holographic teachers, elevators and escalators to class, and computer-integrated desks to do our assignments. Homework, was a distant memory as it was banned by the Royal Moon Government.
As we are entering the school gate, Leiloni asks me “How are your grades this semester Apollo? We have to apply to colleges next year, and you know how much I worry about you and your slacking.”
“Eh, they’re okay,” I said with a shrug. “A’s in History and English, but I’m not doing so well in Math and Science.”  My idea of good grades, are straight A’s. B’s and C’s are forbidden territory according to my mother.
The intercom announces that the whole school has an emergency assembly and that all students must report to the gym by 8:30.
“I wonder what it’s for?” Leiloni asked.
“Hey, I’m just glad it got me out of my history test.” I say in relief.
Students packed into the gymnasium one after the other. Me and Leiloni find seats in what seemed to be a crowded jungle full of students. I personally, don’t care for most of the people at my school. I find having a few close friends more better than having a ton of friends who won’t have your back. I see the Football jocks sitting at the front, along with the cheer leaders, and fellow student council members. Leiloni and I sat at the top back of the bleachers away from the chaos.
“Good morning students of Millennium, we extend our apologies for such an abrupt assembly.” our Principal said. “We call you today so that the Royal Moon President, Daphnes Serenity, give us a formal task.” It wasn’t a surprise to see President Serenity himself because he was always interacting with people. I’ve met him a couple of times myself because he’s so involved in the community, trying to grow plants, create more oxygen, and further better the living conditions on the moon for the people. He gets up to the podium and starts his speech.
“Good morning, students and the future of the Moon and Space. Education has always been an architect of bringing many young minds and creating intellectual teamwork. Teaching one another and growing our minds with one another.” President Serenity always speaks like he’s saving the world. It’s inspiring yet repetitive. “So, I call upon this school for a dire request.
As you may have heard on the news lately, more discoveries are being made throughout space and beyond. The planet Kepler, which is like the Earth, is going to be inhabitable in the next few years to come thanks to the innovations made by our scientists. You may be asking, how is this relatable to our own education? The Earth has become uninhabited. However, the Earth is ready to collapse on itself. Oxygen is being lost and the climate is just hotter than ever.” I can’t comprehend what our President is talking about. Where is this going? I’m becoming a bit anxious because how is it going to affect our school?
“The moon scientists and I have come up with a wondrous and adventurous project. We would like to bring Millennial High School students to the planet Earth in what can be dubbed a field trip,” the president said. The entire school population seemed intrigued about wanting to go. The football jocks look like they were ready to venture of onto the earth.
“As the Earth is dying we need young minds to remember the planet as well as teach the younger generations about what they have seen. We have only selected the top candidates to partake in this mission, and those are the top ranking students in the school. The candidates parents have been contacted and we await their formal approval,” President Serenity said. “And with that, please proceed to your educational opportunities, farewell.”
“Hey Apollo, were you chosen to go on the Earth?” Leiloni asked.
“I’m not sure, with my grades I bet they put me on the bottom of the list,” I answered.
“Are you kidding me Apollo? You have straight A’s! I’m sure you’re a shoe in! Like me!” Leiloni exclaimed.
“Wait, you got in Leiloni?” I said in shock.
“Yes, why? Do you think I’m not smart or something? Besides, I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to visit another place, let alone another planet.” Leiloni said.
“Well hope you have fun, I’ll be getting to class now.” I replied. Class was boring to say the least. Reviewing Science and the Anthropocene Epoch were things teachers always seem to preach to us. As soon as class was done I headed home to be greeted by my mother.
“Apollo, we need to talk,” my mother shouted.
“Mom, can it wait? I wanna take a nap,” I said lazily.
“It’ll be quick I promise. I already accepted your request about going to the Earth,” my mother said. But wait, me going to the Earth?
“That can’t be possible mom,” I said jokingly.
“No, I’m being serious. I received a letter this morning and already accepted for you to go,” my mom said.
“Without my permission?” I replied annoyingly. My mom always does this. Reading my mail without my permission and going out on her own to “improve” my education. I was never a bad student, but I wouldn’t consider myself to be the best. After all an A is average toward my mom. But, this whole Earth venture seems exciting so I should really thank my mother. I mean I could be the person that brags about my once in a lifetime trip. “Fine, I’ll have a go, now can I sleep?” I said.
“You’re always so sassy Apollo. Very well then,” my mother replied. I was relieved from her existence, yet excited at the same time. Awaiting for the universal adventure ahead of me.
The mission towards Earth was all about preparation. They trained us to live life in the rocket ship and told us precautions. Leiloni, other students, and I could handle all the training. It was the anti-gravity that we had trouble with. It really feels like you’re flying. The day of is today and I couldn’t be more anxious. Awaiting the astronauts, I take a seat next to Leiloni.
“You’re not nervous? I know I’m a worry wart but there’s a lot that could go wrong.” I asked nervously.
“Nope, not at all. Our scientists are really advanced Apollo, there’s nothing to be worried about,” Leiloni calmly replied. I guess, I shouldn’t worry. I mean our elders did travel to the moon and created this land. But I really do wonder, what it was like back on Earth.
“Lift off commences shortly!” the astronauts said. They made sure we were secured tight and ready for lift off. A few moments later, the countdown begins. “In 5…4…3…2…1.” The rocket takes off and I feel like a great force is pushing me against my seat. I see the moon dome open and we exit. Lift off was a success.
It would take us about three days to set foot on Earth. I found life being in an anti-gravity ship quite difficult, yet fun. We were floating, objects were moving from place to place, it feels like a playground. Astronaut food is mediocre, tasting like processed plastic and sleep was difficult because it was uncomfortable being strapped in. This whole experience is one that I could never replace.
It has been about three days and we are very close to the Earth. The moon dome covers the Earth, so most civilians are unable to witness it. It was brown and barren of life. As we get closer I see the ocean, filled with trash. Trash is never a problem for us as it is always converted into energy. We head to a place that was once called Hawaiʻi and land on a mountain called Maunakea, the highest point on Earth.
Our mission was simple, just to document. Take notes, record videos, and capture pictures of this Earth. We wore suits as the Earth is extremely hot and oxygen is very little due to depletion of plant life. As we step off the rocket ship the land is desolate. The mountain is red and in the distance appears to be a ancients telescopes that look decimated. I take notes as I go on. The sea is filled with trash, I really don’t know if you can still call it a sea. I also see a missile, probably debris from the Fifth World War I read about in my textbooks. It’s such a sad feeling, but we should be thankful that humanity worked for a second chance. I decide to head out towards one of the old telescopes. As I’m entering I notice it’s littered with trash. In fact, it was stocked up with non-perishable food. Possibly, from the remaining survivors. I walk further, and I hear a noise. It was probably the other students pranking me. I then hear a cry, a toddler’s cry. A sudden shock of fear hit my gut, and I became anxious. I move toward the sound very slowly, navigating through trash. As the noise got louder it seemed it was up a ladder. I climb up watching each rung. I climb up to find a corpse of a woman. I screamed trying to not fall off the ladder. The cry got louder. Taking a deep breath, I get up on the platform and see another corpse, a male corpse, with a knife through his heart. The bodies seemed fresh and reeked of a foul odor. The corpses had a dark skin texture and it looked as if  they were starving. I jump over the bodies only to find a little girl, about three to four years old, in a box. I pick up the girl and rush back to the ship.
“Everyone, I need your help!” I yelled. Everyone gathered around me in astonishment.
“Apollo! What is that? Who is that?” asked Leiloni.
“Where did you find her?” asked one of the astronauts.
“I found her in that telescope.” I replied.
“That’s impossible! We thought life was unsustainable here. How is she breathing? How did she survive?” the astronaut said.
“I don’t know! All I saw was her and…and dead bodies.” I replied shaking.
“Here take her to the ship. Everyone keep scouting the area. Don’t worry we’ll take care of things at the telescope,” the astronaut reassured me.
Leiloni and I take the little girl to a bed and lay her down. She doesn’t seem to produce any words and looks very confused. I’m not very good with children, so Leiloni calmed her down with an ancient lullaby her family passed down to her. However, she wouldn’t stop being restless. I take her and start rocking her. Soon enough, the little girl is put to sleep. She had a dark complexion, with black hair, and looked very uncleanly.
“It’s crazy how she’s surviving right now. Knowing this planet I thought it would have been uninhabitable. I’m glad you found her.” Leiloni said.
“No worries, I’m glad she’s safe.” I said. “But the thing is…what are we going to do with her?”
“Leave that to us,” an astronaut said eavesdropping on us. “We can examine her to see if anything is wrong and we’ll keep examining the telescope if we find anything. As of right now, we need someone to take care of her. I’ll contact the president to talk to you,” the astronaut said.
The astronaut calls the president and tells him about the ordeal. “It seems you are in quite a predicament. As be the case, I want you, Apollo, to take care of this child. Not as a father, but more as a big brother.” the president said.
“Wait, why me?” I asked in shock.
“I agree, you found her first and she seems calm when you’re around her,” the astronaut said.
“I don’t know, this is a big task,” I replied with uncertainty.
“Apollo, we’re giving you a special mission. Take care of this girl. Teach her the ways of taking care of land. This place isn’t meant for her and we need to give her the opportunity to live life in peace. This is the way of the moon, reinventing,” the president said.
I couldn't believe the burden that I was given. Why choose me. Of all people take care of this little girl? What does she have to learn from me? But the astronaut does have a point. This is the way of the moon and I can’t leave her here on this desolate planet. “I accept,” I answered reluctantly.
“Good, now we’re spending a few days here to recharge the ship. Become more acquainted with her,” the astronaut said. “I’ll report back to the president and your mother about this, we’re trusting you now Apollo.”
I’ve taken many responsibility given to me by my mother. I knew that she wanted the best for me, but I never really asked for it. This girl however, is a major responsibility. All that homework and classes I ponder over, is now nothing compared to her.
We spent the next week or so waiting for the ship to recharge itself. Camping out here seemed like tidal wave hit us, except we survived. There’s no green, just blood red ground and brown seas. How could have humanity turned this gigantic home, into something so awful? It really made me appreciate the advances humanity has made. It’s hard to believe that us humans can cause such a disaster.
After a week, our expedition was over and we start heading back to the moon. The girl was quiet the whole time, and always looked confused. When we feed her it seemed like she had never eaten in days. Once we leave Earth it looks just as disastrous as it was when we landed, dead and bleak. I look out the window see the moon. This is the first time I ever get to see the moon up in space. It was mostly white, with touches of green and gray because of civilization. The contrast was obvious, it was if we were in a limbo.
We get back and settle on to the landing platform. It was a nice and soft landing. Our families were there to greet us and to congratulate us on our success. I was anxious to meet my mother. How can I explain to her about this little girl? I carry her in my arms and I am the last one to walk out. Everyone is reacquainted with their family members, all happy. I then see my mother rushing toward me to give me hug.
“Oh, I’m glad you’re safe Apollo. I hope your entire trip was worth it,” my mom said tearfully. It seems as though she didn’t notice this child in my arms.
“It was okay, mom. But seriously we have a bigger issue to tend to,” I said.
“I know, I know. I just miss you so much,” my mother cried. It’s only been a week since I’ve been gone and she’s acting like I’ve been kidnapped and rescued. I push back and begin to explain my discovery of this girl. My mother, surprisingly wasn’t phased by my story, but more excited.
“Well Apollo, it looks like you have another responsibility on your hands. And I’ll be there to take care of it also. I’ve always wanted a daughter. She may not be biological but she can be a part of this family.” my mother said carrying her. Me and my mother are the only people in our family. My father passed away when I was really young so I was never attached to him. I feel like my mother gets lonely sometimes, but now with that child she’ll be more busy in the house.
“What should we name her?” my mother asked.
“Let’s name her Terra, you know the Latin term for Earth,” I replied.
Terra is like any other child. She cries, she begs for food, and she uses diapers. We take her to the scientists about every day, so they can study her to find out about how she survived. It still remains a mystery and scientists keep taking trips back to Earth to study more about where she came from. Terra has very bad habits, even for a toddler. Once she unwraps something she throws the wrapper on the floor. She constantly picks at flowers, ruining the garden sometimes. I know she’s young, but for her age she’s a really messy child. However, I cannot forget about the mission I was assigned. Although I may get mad at my mother sometimes I know that she’s there to help me.
As Terra gets older she starts acquiring our language. I wonder if she ever remembers her life back on Earth. I teach her the ways of taking care of the land. I taught her how to water the flowers, so they can grow. I even planted a tree with her. I scold her when she throws the trash on the floor, so that she can learn. I teach her about the Earth, although she seems oblivious to her past. It seemed like fate that Terra was brought into our world, without realizing the destruction that happened to hers. One day, she’ll learn about the place she once lived in. The day that arrives, I’ll be ready.
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