Chapter 7: Grandmother's Garb

Saturday — D-Day

The winged shuttle made its approach to the airport swiftly and gracefully. The kids held their breath, watching from the terminal as the wheels gently kissed the runway. A wheeled bus-like vehicle came up, raised its cabin up to the height of the airlock and mated with the hatch to transfer the passengers. It raced back to the terminal building as a large special-purpose tractor started towing the orbiter back to the hangar for refurbishment for its next space flight.

Then came the disgorging of passengers — a sight familiar for hundreds of years, on hundreds of planets, to billions of people, going back to the beginning of passenger flight on a tiny blue marble hundreds of light-years away. The only difference was everyone, from flight attendants to the youngest toilet-trained passengers, was nude from neck to ankle. The pilots were still with the ship, dealing with post-landing checklists.

Three people coming through the portal at the same time were familiar to the Millers: Linda Hardaway and her mother, and a very self-conscious Lynn Carter.

Linda ran over to Maggie and Mike. "Be kind to her," she advised them, pointing a thumb over her shoulder at Lynn. "She's still not used to the dress code. Spent the entire two days of the trip locked in her cabin as much as possible."

The two older ladies had been chatting, but the minute she saw her daughter, Lynn clammed up and blushed red as a beet.

Fortunately, it was the children who broke the ice. As Lynn as trotted up to their parents, both kids were running over to their grandmother, welcoming her with open arms.

"How was the funeral? I'm sorry we couldn't be there," Maggie sympathized.

"It was fine. All my brothers made it. The President and her senior staff were there. Oh, she and TK send their appreciation for the job you're doing."

"Thanks. So, how was the trip itself?" Mike asked politely.

"Oh," Linda made a face, "I'm SO glad to be back! It was OK, but I had to wear a jumpsuit when I got there, and — don't believe them when they say 'one size fits all'. It was baggy and made me look like a frump. I was able to rent clothes, so that wasn't as bad on the pocketbook as I feared, but it feels good to be back in a proper outfit." She indicated her current nude condition, as the Millers laughed. They strolled over to join Lynn and their children.

"Mom was used to wearing clothes from before we came here from Dad, but I've been living here for a sixth of my life. I've gotten out of habit, so it felt SO confining. I'm hoping they'll accept my immigration papers, I want to stay here."

They had finally reached Lynn, her grandchildren, and Mrs. Hardaway. "Well, enjoy, Lynn," said Mrs. Hardaway. "Linda and I have to catch the connecting flight to Science Island."

"Do you HAVE to?" implored Millie.

"Sorry, but I have classes starting Monday morning at 8:30 sharp, just like you two do, and Mom and I want to get the apartment in shape before then. Listen, there's a long weekend coming up, Mom and I should be able to get away for that — or maybe the five of you can visit us?"

"Hey," Millie exclaimed, "that would be great!"

The Millers once again gave their condolences to the two ladies, who assured them they were coping "as well as can be expected". They promised to come over and visit the two of them on the upcoming long weekend.

After the two ladies had departed for their connecting flight, Lynn turned to Maggie and Mike. None of them were quite sure exactly what to say.