Into The Outer Track (a Solarpunk Utopian novel by W. J. Manares) [COMPLETE]

Chapter 27 - The Chocolatier Wannabes

In the year 2126, a year after the establishment of Inane City in Gonggong, the Survivors' fleet is steadily making its way towards the half-broken Earth, with 13 years remaining until their long-awaited arrival. Inside the four space vehicles, SV Hwangsaek, SV Nyeusi, SV Weiß, and SV Kayumanggi, the condition of both the Survivors and the space vehicles is being closely monitored.

SV Hwangsaek, the yellow space vehicle, is bustling with activity as the Survivors work diligently to ensure its smooth operation. Regular maintenance checks and repairs are carried out to keep the systems in optimal condition. The Survivors on board SV Hwangsaek are in good health, with a strong sense of unity and determination as they eagerly anticipate their return to Earth. The Survivors on board SV Hwangsaek find solace in the knowledge that their vessel is in capable hands, allowing them to focus on their individual roles and maintain a positive outlook.

In SV Nyeusi, the black space vehicle, the atmosphere is more serene as the Survivors focus on various tasks and duties assigned to them. The Survivors engage in regular exercises and mental stimulation to maintain their physical and mental well-being during the long journey. The space vehicle itself is in excellent condition, with advanced navigation systems guiding it through the vastness of space. They also tend the hydroponic gardens that provide fresh food to conducting research on the effects of long-duration space travel on the human body. The regular exercise routines are practiced to keep the Survivors physically fit, and the mental stimulation programs are implemented to maintain their mental well-being. The Survivors on board SV Nyeusi find solace in routine and camaraderie, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

The Survivors on board SV Weiß are dedicated to studying the surrounding celestial bodies, gathering valuable data, and analyzing the potential for habitable planets and shared them to the other space vehicles. They're ensuring the progress of scientific understanding while en route to the half-broken Earth. They utilize advanced telescopes and sensors to observe distant star systems, analyze planetary compositions, and search for potential habitable worlds. The Survivors on board SV Weiß are driven by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, making significant contributions to humanity's understanding of the cosmos.

SV Kayumanggi, the brown space vehicle, houses the Filipino Survivors who have brought their rich culture and traditions on this interstellar journey. On board, the leaders OO and SS are busy overseeing various aspects of the mission. They collaborate closely with the Survivors assigned in the Engine Rooms, strategizing and making decisions to ensure the fleet's success. Additionally, OO and SS are working on a unique project related to the Filipino Survivors' chocolate diet. They have cultivated cacao plants on board, utilizing innovative hydroponic systems and carefully controlling the environment to produce high-quality cacao beans. This allows the Filipino Survivors to enjoy their beloved chocolate, providing a familiar taste of home and a source of comfort during the long journey.

Recognizing the importance of maintaining morale and a sense of familiarity, the Filipino Survivors have incorporated a chocolate diet into their daily routine. This dietary inclusion not only serves as a source of comfort but also symbolizes their resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity.

As the fleet continues its journey towards the half-broken Earth, the Survivors remain steadfast, united, and focused on their ultimate goal of returning to their home planet. Their determination, resourcefulness, and shared sense of purpose keep them going, despite the challenges they may encounter along the way. They support one another, fostering a community that shares the common goal of returning to their half-broken home planet, Earth. The challenges they face on this arduous journey only strengthen their bonds and determination to rebuild and thrive once they reach their destination.

Let's now dive into the details of the cacao plantation on board SV Kayumanggi and explore the step-by-step process of preparing a delicious chocolate bar.

The cacao plantation within SV Kayumanggi is a marvel of innovative hydroponic systems and controlled environments. The Survivors have created a dedicated space, resembling a small greenhouse, where cacao plants thrive. With careful attention to lighting, temperature, and nutrient levels, they have successfully cultivated cacao trees that bear fruits rich in cacao beans.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how the Survivors prepare a delicious chocolate bar:

Step 1: Harvesting and Fermentation

When the cacao pods reach maturity, the Survivors carefully harvest them from the cacao trees. They cut open the pods and extract the cacao beans nestled inside. The cacao beans are then placed in fermentation boxes, allowing them to undergo a controlled fermentation process. This fermentation step is crucial as it develops the chocolate's unique flavors.

Step 2: Drying

After fermentation, the cacao beans are spread out on drying racks or trays. The Survivors ensure proper air circulation and a controlled temperature to facilitate the drying process. This step helps reduce moisture content and stabilize the beans, preparing them for further processing.

Step 3: Roasting

The dried cacao beans are then roasted to enhance their flavors. The Survivors carefully monitor the temperature and duration of the roasting process to achieve the desired taste. Roasting brings out the rich aroma and deep flavors of the cacao beans.

Step 4: Grinding

Once the cacao beans are roasted, they are ground into a fine paste called cocoa liquor. The Survivors use specialized grinding equipment to achieve the desired texture. The cocoa liquor contains both cocoa solids and cocoa butter.

Step 5: Refining

The cocoa liquor is further processed to separate the cocoa solids from the cocoa butter. This process involves refining the cocoa liquor to create a smooth chocolate paste. The Survivors use specialized machinery to accomplish this step, ensuring the chocolate has a silky texture.

Step 6: Conching

Conching is a crucial step in the chocolate-making process that involves mixing and kneading the chocolate paste for an extended period. This step helps develop the desired flavors and smooth texture of the chocolate. The Survivors carefully control the temperature and duration of conching to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Step 7: Tempering

Tempering is the final step before molding the chocolate into bars. The Survivors carefully heat and cool the chocolate to specific temperatures, which ensures that the cocoa butter molecules are properly aligned. This step gives the chocolate its characteristic shine, snap, and smooth texture.

Step 8: Molding and Cooling

Once tempered, the chocolate is poured into molds, shaping it into bars or other desired forms. The molds are then cooled, allowing the chocolate to solidify and retain its shape. The Survivors take great care during this step to ensure the chocolate bars have an appealing appearance and satisfying texture.

Step 9: Packaging and Enjoying

The final step involves packaging the chocolate bars, either individually or in sets, ready to be enjoyed by the Survivors on SV Kayumanggi and on the other three space vehicles. The chocolate bars provide a delicious and comforting treat, reminding the fleet of the flavors of utopia and offering a small taste of normalcy in the midst of their space journey.

By meticulously following these steps, the Survivors on SV Kayumanggi create delectable chocolate bars that bring joy and a sense of familiarity to the fleet in the Outer Track.