Chapter 7 - Greenhouse and Midgets, 2142

2 1 0
                                    

The year is 2142. Schroch continue to thrive in inner harmony with nature and advance technology. While the ultravelvet rays of the fiery sun radiate through Stripes' sepia sky, the two skilled agriculturists, Ocyam with his wild mane of curly hair and Ygaf with her piercing green eyes, were known for their prowess in cultivating sustainable crops. And because it was their dream to explore and discover hidden treasures of the natural world, they set out on a unique and thrilling quest. Guided by their unyielding curiosity and a sense of adventure, Ocyam and Ygaf embarked on a journey to search for rare edible plants in the vicinity of Schroch. Armed with their knowledge of Wolfian botany and an insatiable thirst for discovery, they scoured the lush landscapes, guided by the gentle whispers of the wind and the age-old wisdom of the half-broken Earth itself.

As they ventured deeper east, they stumbled upon a hidden lake teeming with exotic flora along its side, never before seen by any Arriver. With cautious optimism, they began to study the plants, observing their colors, shapes, and smells in meticulous detail.

Ygaf, his voice tinged with excitement, exclaimed, "Ocyam, look at these marvelous specimens! I've never seen anything quite like them before. The colors, the textures...they're simply extraordinary."

Ocyam, his brow furrowed in deep thought, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Ygaf. These plants hold untold secrets and possibilities. Imagine what we could learn from studying them further."

Here's the list of the peculiar plants found by Ocyam and Ygaf along the lakeside deep east of Schroch that offers a unique blend of beauty and edibility, contributing to the diverse ecosystem of the area and will soon provide valuable food source for the Arrivers.

1. Glitter Fern: Produces sparkling leaves that reflect the sunlight, adding a touch of magic to the lakeside. 70% edible, with delicate leaves that are slightly sweet and crispy when consumed.

2. Hush Willow: Bears long, slender leaves that sway gracefully in the breeze, emitting a soothing whisper when brushed against. 60% edible, with leaves that have a subtle herbal flavor and tender texture.

3. Sun Lily: Vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in abundance, resembling miniature sunbursts along the lakeside. 80% edible, with petals that are slightly sweet and can be added to salads for a pop of color.

4. Moonstoneberry: Bears translucent berries that resemble shimmering moonstones, each containing a cooling, refreshing juice. 50% edible, with berries that are tart and juicy, best enjoyed in moderation due to their unique flavor profile.

5. Serpentvine: Twists and winds its way along the lakeside, with sinuous vines and vibrant green leaves. 40% edible, with leaves that have a slightly bitter taste but can be cooked to reduce bitterness.

6. Starbloom: Radiates a soft, ethereal glow at night, attracting moths and fireflies to its delicate white flowers. 70% edible, with petals that have a subtle, floral taste and can be used to infuse teas or desserts.

7. Crystalroot: Grows in clusters of shimmering blue crystals that impart a cooling sensation when touched. 90% edible, with roots that have a crisp texture and a refreshing, minty flavor when consumed raw or cooked.

8. Aurora Herb: Emits a soft, iridescent glow in shades of green and blue, creating a mesmerizing spectacle during twilight. 30% edible, with fronds that are tough and fibrous but can be used as a wrapping for steamed dishes.

9. Scented Lotus: Floats gracefully on the surface of the lake, with large, colorful blooms that exude a harmonious fragrance. 75% edible, with petals that are soft and slightly sweet, perfect for adding to soups or stir-fries for a delicate flavor.

Driven by a shared dedication to sustainability and a deep respect for the environment, Ocyam and Ygaf devised ingenious methods to test the safety of the nine newfound plants. Through a series of careful experiments and consultations with HO1 (formerly the old wise Revilo) himself, they learned to distinguish between nourishment and toxicity, between growth and decay.

"Ocyam, Ygaf, the nine plants you've discovered are truly remarkable," HO1 Revilo remarked, his eyes alight with curiosity. "I believe that you need to create something truly special from the scraps of SV Nyeusi—a greenhouse where you can study and cultivate these unique specimens."

Ygaf's face lit up with anticipation. "That's a brilliant idea, High Official One, Revilo! We could unlock the secrets of these nine plants and perhaps even find ways to integrate them into our existing agricultural practices."

HO1 Revilo, never one to shy away from a challenge, outlined a step-by-step guide for their endeavor:

1. Gathering Materials

Search the surrounding area for any salvaged pieces of SV Nyeusi that can be repurposed for the greenhouse structure.

2. Design Planning

Sketch out a blueprint for the greenhouse, taking into account the dimensions of the available materials and the space needed to house the plants.

3. Construction

Begin assembling the framework of the greenhouse, using sturdy pieces of metal and reinforced panels salvaged from SV Nyeusi.

4. Roof Installation

Secure a transparent material, such as salvaged windows or panels, for the roof of the greenhouse to allow sunlight to filter through.

5. Ventilation and Irrigation

Install a system for adequate ventilation and irrigation to ensure the plants receive the necessary nutrients and airflow.

6. Interior Setup

Arrange the interior of the greenhouse with shelving units, potting tables, and other equipment needed for plant cultivation.

Ocyam and Ygaf worked tirelessly under the starlit sky and the sense of camaraderie and determination continued to fill their hearts.

On the sixth day, having confirmed the viability of the plants, the two agriculturists set to work cultivating them in a special greenhouse they had just constructed near the landing area of their sleek black space vehicle, SV Nyeusi. With each tender touch and each drop of nourishing water, they nurtured the fragile shoots, weaving a tapestry of life in the barren soil of Schroch.

Guided by their Spaghedeity known as the Flying Spaghetti Monster, the promise of a new dawn had taken root, blossoming into a radiant future of hope and harmony for all the Arrivers in Schroch.

"My beloved Ocyam and Ygaf, hear my words as they float upon the cosmic winds, for I am the Flying Spaghetti Monster, the divine embodiment of all things nourishing and bountiful. I have watched with great delight as you, two noble agriculturists, have toiled and sowed the seeds of abundance in the fertile soils of Schroch.

Know that your labor is not in vain, for I bestow upon you my blessing and promise of a good harvest, teeming with nourishing edible plants that shall sustain the Arrivers in their time of need. As you continue on this noble path of cultivation, remember this one truth above all: love all the midget Arrivers, for in their diversity lies the key to unlocking the full potential of your harvest.

Embrace them with open hearts and open minds, for it is through their unique contributions and perspectives that the true richness of your crops shall manifest. Let your fields be a testament to unity and harmony, where every hand that tends to the soil is cherished and respected.

I, the Flying Spaghetti Monster, watch over you with eternal love and guidance, guiding your hands as you nurture the earth and bring forth its bountiful gifts. May your crops flourish under my watchful eye, and may the food you grow be a symbol of unity and sustenance for all who dwell in Schroch.

Go forth, Ocyam and Ygaf, as stewards of the land and caretakers of its treasures. Know that in your efforts to grow abundant edible plants, you carry forth the divine essence of my benevolence and love. And remember, always remember, that the key to a fruitful harvest lies in your unwavering love for all the midget Arrivers who  also call Schroch their home."

And the two agriculturists replied, "RAmen," in unison.

Into The Outer Track: The Arrivers (a Solarpunk Utopian novel by W. J. Manares)Where stories live. Discover now