Page 3 of Rebel Fates

Taking a deep breath to settle my nerves, I decide to be honest. “I was in an abusive relationship. I lost my job at the design firm I worked for because of this person. And then, well, I sort of got looped into the service industry. That’s why I’m applying for this job, to get back into my chosen field as a design engineer.”

“Yes. Life can be challenging.” He nods understandingly, no judgment. “Is this relationship completely over?”

“It is over.Completely.” And it will be more than over when I’m on the moon.

“This isn’t a career path you should take lightly. You are leaving behind everything for a decade, maybe longer, if you decide to stay. Won’t you miss your friends and family?”

“I’m new to this area and haven’t had a chance to make friends yet.” I frown a bit. I lost the few friends I had when I was with Peter. Besides, I’m not great at making friends—not anymore. I can’t trust anyone. “I haven’t spoken with my family in over eight years and have no intention of starting now.”

“So,no oneknows you plan to travel to the moon?” he asks with a raised eyebrow, seemingly shocked.

“No. And I have no plans to tell anyone where I’ve gone.”

“Good.” He puts his hands up to apologize and chuckles lightly. “It’s not good that you have issues with your family. Or have no friends. But good that you won’t experience overwhelming homesickness. That’s the hardest thing for our employees to deal with. We have learned people with strong connections to Earth don’t do well on the Moonbase.”

“That makes sense. So, you don’t hire people who have strong ties?” I ask.

“Unless the candidate is an expert who we need for a special project, we try to avoid it. Sometimes, we offer them a shortened contract.”

“It sounds like I’m a perfect candidate. No strings to hold me down.” I smile.

“Excellent.” He checks some boxes on his file and pulls papers from the far side of his desk. “Next, we need you to sign a release form for a full medical examination. Also, this non-disclosure agreement.”

“A NDA?” I tilt my head.

“We only ask for that so you don’t talk about our project with anyone outside of the program. It’s standard stuff for corporations with so much invested in the advancement of science and technology. We need to protect our assets. You understand?”

“So, then I can’tactuallytell anyone what I’m doing?”

“You can’t talk about it in detail, no.” He looks serious but still friendly.

I nod and sign.What do I care? I have no one to tell.

He continues after I sign everything. “When you go back to the reception area, go to the desk and set up a medical exam with our doctors. If you get it done in the next twenty-four hours, you can take the next shuttle to the moon, which leaves in three days. That is… if you’re ready to go.”

“I’m ready,” I say. The idea of getting off this planet is exhilarating. However, the implication of what I’m about to do still gives me a touch of nerves.

I’m only human,right?

Fortunately, the medical offices have an immediate opening, and I head over to the medical wing after my interview.

The doctor and nurse conduct a pelvic exam and check my vitals. I run on a treadmill to show I don’t get exhausted easily or have heart problems.

They already have my old medical files since I had them sent over a few days prior, after my second interviewer requested them.

They take a blood sample and do a full-body scan.

They even give me a flexibility and mobility test, asking me to contort into several awkward positions, but I realize I might need to fit into small spaces on the base to fix components. Fortunately, I pass that with no issue.

“Looks like we have everything we need. As long as your scan, blood work, and pap come back fine, then it looks like you will be cleared to go.”

“Great!” I smile widely. Good to know it appears that I’m healthy too.

“I see we need to put a rush order on your results,” the doctor says. “Trying to get on the next shuttle?”

“I hope so. Start my new life and all that.”

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