Tea Tray in the Sky

"Tea Tray in the Sky" by Evelyn E. Smith is a science fiction story that follows Michael Frey's adventure from a sheltered Brotherhood community to the vibrant yet complex Portyork in a United Universe. Tired of a life of isolation, Michael ventures out only to find himself overwhelmed by strange customs and rigid social boundaries between humans and aliens. Guided by a salesman, Pierce B. Carpenter, Michael tries to adapt, but struggles with the rules about relationships and the lack of real connection. After experiencing the superficiality of this new world, Michael decides the familiar simplicity of the Brotherhood is better, returning to the life he once wanted to escape.