“… Right, right, but Si? I know Taj asked him about it; can it still not be done?” Luna asked.

  “So, Lukai said not this year,” Si said.

  “How bad,” she said in a low voice.

  Avery’s ban was not to be lifted.

  Taj was not projecting—they tried not to talk too often.

  Why couldn’t it be simpler? It looked better; before, everything that was complicated looked like it could be easier. And now it was complicated again.

  “Si?” Luna asked.

  “Sweetie?” he asked back; it made her smile.

  This was good and not overdone. So good.

  “You silly you… to be serious though, Si? I think I will ask Lukai to allow me to go there.” Luna said.

  She was decided.

  “I think it is a good idea. He won’t let you work with Taj, but at least you could work with Avery. He should be involved, as you said earlier. Lukai will agree; I have no doubts. Also. It would mean I could visit you,” Si said.

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  Luna snorted loudly.

  “Si, that he forbids you to leave Planet One, why, I ask? Does he truly think you were visiting moons to what? Look for support to gain power? What is Lukai thinking currently? Why is he so seriously suspicious? Si…” She slowly stopped talking.

  “It doesn’t matter; let’s observe. Taj also has problems, the same as we have. Lukai needs time to understand that controlling us in this way is not bringing any value. With time, he will understand; let him. His ruling is not bad, not bad.” Si said.

  “Not bad… Si, not wanting to pile up on issues, I get it. I get it. Settled then. I will confirm with Lukai and go,” Luna said, nodding to emphasize the decision.

  It was something she wanted to do, not even needed to do.

  Taj said that the chances were high.

  The idea was to open special centers on three moons and two planets. The biggest concern they had across all places was cultural differences.

  What it meant was simple—and difficult. They couldn’t understand each other, not in terms of language but in terms of customs. Years of the families’ ruling made people separate, close within their walls. They rejected outsiders; whatever was different was perceived as bad.

  But unification: they also refused.

  It was Lukai’s main issue currently. He was unable to pass any bigger reform; there was no unanimity.

  The idea was to put aside politics and try from another angle. Cultural centers, set up in all the places, openly sharing simple, pleasant things to highlight that they weren’t truly different.

  It was to pique interest, fire up curiosity, engage, and cause laughter. Luna had an idea, and Si encouraged her to talk to Lukai about it. She thought it could ease tensions. Show that there were different ways things could work and how life could be lived.

  When she started to travel, her eyes were opened. Her fears eased when she discovered that the world was diverse and that it was a reason for joy.

  It could work, right? Surely worth trying.