by Colin Owen
❧
Morning came and Sam was up early making breakfast. Kay came into the kitchen, "I'll do that if you like," she said.
"I wanted to surprise you," he answered, "I was going to bring it up to you."
"Oh, how sweet." She replied, hugging him from behind. "Is this because I'm your leader?" She said, chuckling.
"No, it's because I love you," he answered without any hesitation. He turned to face her and kissed her to prove it.
"It doesn't get any better than this," she sang out, "Have I got a life, or have I got a life!"
They sat at the table to eat.
"I've had an idea Sam," she said, "we need to explore this Moon we're living on. After all, it's a big place, and we've only seen this one little corner."
"Remember the sea," Sam reminded her.
"That's just what I mean, we didn't even know it was there. It took someone from Earth to point it out to us. There may be other new things out there to discover, who knows what we'll find? We need to explore that sea," she went on, "but I think we'll start with the lake. Especially after those reports of movement."
"We need a submarine then," Sam said.
"Yes, we do, but it shouldn't be too difficult for our boys in engineering, after all, we can go into space, how hard can it be to go under water."
❧
Hope was up early, she'd had trouble sleeping, thinking about the days ahead, and what they might bring. She and Steve walked arm in arm on their way to the ship.
"What do you think we'll find out there dad?" she asked him, thoughtfully.
"To be honest Hops, I don't know, but I'll be surprised if we don't find something special. It's a big universe, and we have a big God; who's to say He hasn't created other beings in other solar systems. I know I have to make this trip, and I think He has inspired me to do it."
"Wow," she said, "that's exciting. I hope we do find someone out there. I wonder if they'll be like us."
"Well, we're made in God's image, so maybe He did the same with them, I don't see why not, this form works very well."
They arrived at the ship, and Hope gasped at how big it was.
"It affects me that way too Hops. Every time I see it, it fills me with awe, no bad thing when you think it's going to be our home for heaven knows how long."
Tris met them on the launch-pad.
"Morning Steve, hi Hope."
His voice was somewhat softer for the second greeting. Hope smiled back at him, which confirmed that he hadn't been dreaming.
"This way folks," he said, marching in front of them. Tris led them to the main hatch and entered.
"Wow," Steve said, slowly, "you have been busy."
The interior of the ship had been transformed from its former self into a space age version of a mobile home. The passenger cabin had been divided into living quarters and had four main rooms. The biggest was the main living area, now fully furnished, with a kitchen area off to one side. There were three bedrooms, one double, and two singles. These were small rooms as it had been felt that the space would be better used elsewhere. The bathroom was interesting, to say the least, and very small.
"Zero gravity does present certain problems," Tris said, when he showed them how it all worked. Hope looked on, more than a little bemused by it all.
"Don't worry Hops, you'll soon get used to it."
"I'll take your word for it daddy, but right now it looks more like a torture chamber than a bathroom."
They made their way through into the cargo bay. This was mainly taken up with the smaller ship, and the rest was given over to supplies.
"The main problem is water," Tris said, "it's bulky and heavy, we won't be able to take as much as I'd like, but there's nothing I can do about it. We have the latest in filtration and recycle systems, so a little will go a long way, but I'd still like more."
"It's most impressive Tris," Steve said, "you've done a great job."
"Actually, John did most of this. I've been concentrating on the Trion drive. There's not as much progress there I'm afraid, I can't seem to get the breakthrough I need to achieve light speed. I'm getting closer, but I'm not there yet."
"Don't worry about it Tris, I'm sure it'll come, just keep at it, and remember the small things." Steve smiled, knowing how many times he had missed something simple because he was looking for something big.
"That just leaves the cockpit." Tris said, and led the way. "We've greatly simplified the controls. It behaves much like a big Keracraft now, you can do most things with one joystick. Phil says just a couple of lessons will get you up and running, he suggested we all have them."
"Good idea," Steve agreed.
"Even me?" Hope said, excitedly.
"Yes, even you Sweetheart," he answered her. "Of course, you'll have to fight your mother to get in here..."
They all laughed, but it seemed to Steve that their departure date had moved a little closer.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter 3.
It's The Little Things
Steve and Hope walked slowly back to the settlement, leaving Tris to continue working on the ship.
"He really is rather sweet dad," she said.
"I know Hops, that's why I chose him."
"But how did you know he was the one?"
"Oh, it came to me-"
"From God you mean?" she interrupted him.
"I'm not sure about that Sweetheart, but somehow, I knew he was right for you. It may be the berries and that sixth sense, I don't know, but I do know that he's a good kid, and bright too, and one day, he'll be a great man in Eden."
Tris had taken on board what Steve had said, and deliberately went back over his work looking for something so small that he might have missed it the first time. It was going to be a big job, his work had been extensive, but really, he had no other course of action open to him. He had tried all the things he could think of and had come up empty, he knew that somewhere, there had to be an answer to this. Technically it was possible, but like all things that have never been done before, the first breakthrough is the toughest. Tris decided to find his favourite corner and settle down for the rest of the day.
❧
Kay made her way over to engineering, she had a spring in her step after the brilliant start to the day, and it took her no time at all to get there.
"Hi Roland," she called out on entering.
Roland was one of the original remnant like herself. He was in charge of the main power systems, but as they were set on auto, he had joined engineering to help out. He was a talented technician, and had proved his worth many times over in the recent past. Kay knew that Tris would be otherwise engaged, but she was more than happy to work with Roland on the new project.
"Hi boss, what can I do for you this fine day?"
He always got on well with Kay, they were very good friends.
"How do you fancy some research Roly? I've had a bit of an idea and it needs a new toy making."
"Sounds just up my street," he answered, "what is it you want?"
"Erm...A submarine..." She paused and waited for it to hit home.
"A what?" he said, laughing and scratching his head at the same time. "A submarine," he went on, "and how big do you want it?"
Now Kay was laughing too, "I'm not sure yet," she said, "but at least big enough for two. I'll need to get back to you on that one a bit later if that's okay. I thought I would just run the idea past you and get your reaction."
He was still smiling at the thought of it, but had taken hold of the idea. "Well, it's not a big problem," he said, "keeping the water out is just like keeping the air in when you're in space. We could easily convert a Keracraft to go under water, but the photoelectric cells may not work down there. I'll have to run some tests on that front, if it turns out they don't, we'll need batteries for power. How soon do you need this toy?"
"No rush," she answered, "just let me know when you have something to tell me."
"OK boss," he said, playfu
lly, "will do."
Kay left him to his work and wandered off to find Sam. For some reason, she didn't want to be apart from him today. She found him at home preparing to leave for work.
"Hi love, how do you fancy the day off?"
"Is that an order from the leader?" he asked, smiling.
"Yes, if you like," she responded, "I just don't want to be away from you today...Is that being silly?"
He smiled at her and took her by the hand, "Not at all love," he said softly, "I know I'm irresistible!"
She poked him in the stomach making him wince a little. "I'll give you irresistible," she said.
"I surrender," Sam replied waving his handkerchief at her.
"I should think so too," she said, "let's go for a walk. I fancy paying Gareth a visit at the farm."
They set off, arm in arm, towards the south side of the settlement. This was not a well-trodden path, and lay in the opposite direction from Moon Base Alpha, and the launch-pad. They took the path by the river and headed for the waterfall.
"This really is a beautiful place," she said, pointing to all the trees that Gareth had planted so long ago. "He didn't think he would see them fully grown, but he sure will now."
Sam just looked on, admiring the hard work of one of Eden's unsung Heroes. It was true, Gareth had set about his work with the animals and planting crops quietly with no fuss. He wasn't seen that often in the main settlement, preferring the country life that he was used to. Over the years he had built up the stocks of cattle and sheep, which were now very large, much larger than Eden needed. The acreage of crops planted was enormous, as was the variety. Beyond the river there was now quite a large wood, with a population of birds that anyone would be proud of. You could hear them singing miles away, which was regarded as one of the wonderful things about Eden.
They neared the waterfall.
"There's something so peaceful about the sound of falling water," Sam said, "it was a great idea to build it. Who would have thought that the Moon could be made to become such a hospitable place to live."
A small wooden bridge had been placed near the waterfall, which they crossed in order to reach the farm. The air changed as they walked on, the smell of cattle began to reach them.
"He's been muck spreading," Sam said, "boy that brings back memories."
Kay just let him reminisce, she had no recollections of country life herself, having been a city dweller from birth, but it was not difficult to understand how Sam would remember such a smell, coupled with the farmyard noises.
"We must do this more often Sam, I like to see you enjoying yourself."
"That's fine by me love, I like it out here."
They walked on slowly, reaching Gareth's farmhouse some twenty minutes later. She knocked at Gareth's door and waited.
"He may be out," she said, "farmers are out a lot aren't they."
Sam smiled. "We could have called to let him know we were coming."
"I know," she said, "but that would have spoiled the spontaneity of it. I just wanted to do something on the spare of the moment. Life has been too organised of late, and it may get worse now that I'm the leader."
There was no reply from knocking the door.
"Let's take a look around," Sam said, "we may see him somewhere."
They went around the back of the house calling out as they went. He wasn't nearby, but they did see him far off driving his tractor. By chance he turned and caught sight of them waving. He waved back and motioned for them to wait while he drove over to them. It took several minutes for Gareth to reach them, the electric tractor being rather slow.
"Hi folks, I was just on my way home for some lunch, fancy a bite?"
"That sounds wonderful Sam replied."
"Hope you don't mind the visit," Kay said, "but we fancied a day off, and Sam really likes the countryside, so here we are."
"So, you like the country do you Sam, brought up in it were you?"
"Yes, I was," Sam replied, "I lived with my uncle on his farm for a few years. Best years of my life, until now that is." Sam looked at Kay who smiled back at him. Gareth noticed them both, so in love.
"Always lived alone myself," he said, "I've gotten used to it now. There's something about being your own boss..."
He stopped talking and brought the lunch over to the kitchen table where the others were seated. Gareth said a simple grace, and began pouring the tea.
"Help yourselves to bread and cheese, I make it myself, it's my secret."
"Wow," Sam said, "I haven't had any cheese since we left Earth. I'm definitely coming back here again."
Gareth laughed. He was a jolly sort of man, as many farmers are, with a ruddy complexion and thick gnarled fingers.
"You're welcome any time," he said, "I enjoy company, even if it doesn't appear that way. It's just that the farm keeps me so busy."
"Do you have anyone to help you?" Kay asked.
"No, it's just me," he replied, quite contentedly.
"Would you like someone?" she asked.
Gareth thought for a moment and replied.
"I'm quite happy working on my own, but it would make sense for me to pass on what I know to someone younger."
"Why?" Sam said,
"You're not thinking of leaving us are you Gareth?"
Gareth smiled warmly at him. "I won't be around forever you know, I'm not getting any younger."
Kay and Sam looked at each other a little perplexed.
Gareth saw it, "That's right, I haven't taken the berries, and I don't intend to."
"Why ever not?" Sam asked him.
"Nature," he answered, "all my life I've worked with nature, I feel a part of her. Taking one of those berries would be like cheating, like cheating nature. I just couldn't do it."
"But don't you want to see your trees grow?" Kay asked gently.
"I am seeing them grow, I knew when I planted them that I wouldn't be around to see them fully mature, but that's the nature of things, and I accept it."
He could see that they were still struggling with what he had said, so he went on.
"I want to see my maker. Living forever was always part of the package, just not here. When my time's up, I want to go and be with Him, can you understand that?"
"I certainly can," Kay, replied, "I've only recently found my faith, but it's become the cornerstone of my life." She looked at Sam, and could see he agreed with her.
Gareth seemed pleased with this outcome and said, "So, I better have a helper don't you think."
They took their leave of him, both of them having a greater respect than ever for this humble and God-fearing man, who had for so many years just gotten on with the job. They came away changed.
❧
Tris called it a day a little earlier than usual. The realisation that he would be leaving his parents for a very long time was beginning to dawn on him. It was not that he was having second thoughts, but still, he would miss them. Tris' family were not as close as many of the other families in Eden. They had never been ones to display their emotions; hence, Tris had grown up somewhat shy, and fonder of his own company than that of friends. He hadn't made friends easily, preferring instead, to study; the result being a highly intelligent young man with poor people skills. Happily, the encounter with John Hammond had changed much of that, and the sudden arrival on the scene of a highly talented young engineer had been a blessing to the Eden community. For Tris, Hope was the icing on the cake, he could want for little more than what he had right now, apart from a positive response from his parents, especially his father.
Malcolm Eves had been a studious and hard working man all his adult life, having little time for social gatherings and ongoing friendships. His one exception to this rule was Dorothy, his wife of some thirty years. They had had Tris later on in life, just prior to the escape from earth. Malcolm and Dorothy were both artists, and had been invited to join the remnant by General Hammond because of his desire to save the artistic side of humanity. This they had done adm
irably, they had made the memorial to General Hammond, and all who had ever known the great man adored it. Dorothy was a fine painter in both oils and watercolours, whilst Malcolm was more into solids, a sculptor.
Tris had certainly followed in his father's footsteps, taking up engineering at an early age and studying the subject to the almost total exclusion of his childhood. Dorothy was quietly delighted that her son had found his place in society, and even more so now that he had a girlfriend. She had worried that he would turn out a little too much like his father, not that she had anything bad to say about Malcolm, but she wanted more for her son than just work and study. And now that she had seen it, he was going to leave them for an unspecified length of time. This was going to be hard for her to take when the time came, and she was not too sure how Malcolm would react then either.
Tris arrived home and was greeted as usual by his father. "Hello son, had a bad day, you're home early?"
"No father, the day was fine, I just wanted to spend some time at home with you and mother."
"Well, that's very nice dear," Dorothy said, before Malcolm could put his usual damper on things. "It's nice that you want to spend time with us before your trip, isn't dear..." She visually prodded Malcolm to respond.
"Erm, Oh, yes dear, very nice."
Tris was used to this and just smiled. Inwardly, he was thinking of Hope and his mother picked up on it.
"And how's your young lady today?" She asked.
"She's fine mom," he replied in hushed tones. Malcolm didn't like the term 'mom' being used. Dorothy smiled at him warmly and Tris could see that she was really delighted about the whole thing.
"You must invite her to tea," she said, loud enough for the hint to get through.
"Erm, yes, son, invite her to tea, that would be nice."
Tris was a little taken aback by his father's response, but agreed to do as they suggested. It made Tris think, at least for a second or two, that his Father was warming to the idea of his trip and new life with the Foresters.
❧
Sam and Kay took even longer to get back from the farm than they had taken to get there. It was such a lovely day, and they both had a sense that times like these should be enjoyed to the full. For some reason that she could not explain, Kay knew that such times would become more rare in the not too distant future. They made their way to the Thomas' house; Kay had had an idea. They found Dave Thomas in the garden.
