Space Wars

Theresa entered homeroom and started toward her desk before pausing, a bit puzzled. Nearly all the students were gathered around Stephen’s desk, which was unusual. Everyone liked Stephen just fine; he was the smartest guy in class and friendly enough, but he didn’t quite fit in. Intrigued, she wandered over to see for herself what was happening.

“What’s this all about?” Theresa asked Rebecca. Motioning toward Stephen’s desk, Rebecca said, “Steven’s got a magazine. Do you remember the headlines from last summer?”

Not surprised that Stephen would not only have a magazine, but also have already read it, Theresa shook her head no. She hadn’t paid any special attention to newspaper headlines, although she did remember someone saying something about sending a man to the moon.

“It’s about the space program,” Rebecca said, stepping to one side so Theresa could get a closer look at the glossy photograph in the magazine.

Overhearing their conversation, Stephen spoke up. “Specifically, this article’s about the next steps we might take in space exploration. An administrator from NASA predicts a manned space station, as well as expeditions to Mars.”

“Well, I don’t see how launching people into space is going to do anything to help us with wars and rumors of wars here on Earth.” Theresa fussed at nobody in particular.

Rebecca tugged her friend away from the gathering. “Don’t sweat it; let the government worry about it.” She turned her notebook to a clean page and began to doodle. “What are you going to wear to the all-skate Friday night?”

Ignoring Rebecca, Theresa stared absently out the window. She’d taken her friend’s advice to heart and, leaving the cares of the world behind, was lost in a daydream about what it might be like to voyage into space and see the surface of the moon for herself.