Spaceportation

The Time Chamber Part 9

The room I was to begin farming was called, "the Time Chamber". It was mostly one of the bowls traveled here. The computers, chairs, display screens, and other things were removed. One computer connected to a display case with two heat lamps above it. I was told where to get compost and location of the bathroom to mix soil for the plants. Carl instructed me to set up and he will be here shortly.

I searched through the trash and pulled out some empty boxes and cans. Back in the Time Chamber, I set up the first can. I scooped some feces from the bathroom and mixed it in with the compost. I had my water rations with me. Sylvia mentioned I would get a second bottle of rationed water for the seeds. I put a watermelon seed inside the soil.

Carl came in with the extra bottle of water. He set up the dials and told me how he was setting the time for accelerated growth. The display case uses magnets and the bowl's gravity device to simulate the Earth cycle. The plan was to set the machine to accelerate a week at a time. Next I would water it and let it sit for a while to soak in the heat. I will continue this process until it fully forms. My next task is to gather seeds from the specimens. I will continue this process for each seed until I have a big supply of seeds. The next phase is to stop growing some plants after they sprout. I would build a garden and transfer the seedlings there. Heather and Monica were assigned to help with building the garden since they were my bowl team.

I was amazed by the detail and instruction for my duties. Carl suggests I use the boxes to provide extra feces and compost to add to the sprouts for fresh nutrients. Confession: I do not know how much of each mineral is needed for each kind of plant. I collected soil samples throughout different areas on the island. Heather assisted me. She made notes of where I got the soil and for what plants it is good for.

I know my focus should be on the plants, but Heather is a lot friendlier now. I even find her smiling at me when I see her. For a Know-it-all, she grows on you. Around here in Bowlful, I am now referred to as, "The Farmer". I get questions a lot of the time. What are you growing? How long does it take? How long does it take in the Time Chamber? If we find seeds do we bring them to you? Should we expect to just eat plants after the garden is done? Is Heather your girlfriend? Is Sylvia your girlfriend?

I catch on now that people are watching my interactions with Sylvia and Heather. My free time is mostly used gathering supplies for my own house. Both Heather and Sylvia offered to help. Sylvia drops hints that she needs her own place. Heather complains about the other women. I guess they thought I would ask for them to be a plus one. Unless I figure out how to make multiple rooms, it would be a one room house.

I carry the fruit and veggies that I scooped seeds from to the men's and women's houses. I try to switch evenly. However, the women are more excited about it. They frequently hug me. Sylvia and Heather hold me close a little longer than the other women for the hug. If my task continues running smoothly, the garden should be fully set in three days. I learned the hours here are shorter than on Earth. I would say a full day is twenty-two hours long.