Moon Over... Just Over

It had been nearly eleven years since Earth's moon had been blown out of orbit by a massive nuclear explosion. Occasionally there had been hope of finding a way for the crew to return to Earth, which despite its own deterioration since, was still a far better place to be.

While half-listening to the his staff's status reports, Commander Koenig stared out the window of his office into the vast darkness of space. Chief data analyst Sandra Benes had been explaining that it could be over a year before they again conveniently happened to enter a stellar system with any planets to draw resources from. That, he felt, was no reason for great concern. However when chief science officer Maya started her report in a low, nervous voice he suddenly shifted his full attention to her. He couldn't believe what she was saying because, added to Sandra's analysis, it would mean a certain end for Moonbase Alpha!

"We are running critically low on supplies of..."

"What?" snapped Tony Verdeschi, second in command. "We have a fusion generator that can make whatever we need from moon dust! What could we possibly be running out of?"

"Uhm," Maya could barely say the words, "Moon dust."