They Reached for the Moon

"They Reached for the Moon" by William Oberfield is a science fiction story set in the early 1950s that orbits the grand themes of space exploration and newfound capabilities of humanity. The story follows two men, Pfc. Walter Jones and Pvt. Robert Moore, who are selected to embark on a pivotal mission to the Moon after previous missions have ended in silence. As they journey into space, initially cheerful, their perceptions shift significantly, coming face to face with their mental capabilities as gravity's effects diminish. They encounter a glowing figure who explains their newfound clarity in this low-gravity environment, revealing that gravity hinders intellectual and spiritual growth. Jones and Moore are invited to join this community of transcended beings, leaving their earthly origins and embarking on a deeper journey of knowledge and purpose among the stars.