by Anna Lewis
In just a few short moments, Erika had cleaned up and was out the door with her purse to catch the cab with Ulita. Her blue Guilderan friend was waiting in the cab, tapping rapidly into her phone.
“Buenos dias,” she said.
“Hola, Ulita,” Erika said.
“It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?” Ulita asked.
“Indeed,” Erika replied.
“We should do lunch today out in the park,” Ulita suggested.
“Claro,” Erika said. “I would love that.”
The cab pulled up to the greenhouse and the two women exited, leaving a tip through their chips by pressing their palms. The driver nodded and wished the women a good day, then drove off to pick up another set of workers. Erika tapped the keypad to unlock the door to the greenhouse, and they went inside.
“What are we working on today?” Ulita asked.
“Let’s focus on those zucchinis you were struggling with yesterday. I think working on that formula would benefit the next batch,” Erika replied.
“Great. I’ll get it started,” Ulita said.
Immediately, Ulita set up the zucchini plants on the counter and Erika went to work putting the formula together. She added the main ingredients and then stepped aside as Ulita began dropping in different colorful liquids. After the formula settled, they carefully watered the soil of the zucchini and held up the touch pad to record the results. In a few short moments the zucchini grew into its regular size and then tripled, finally falling over from the table. The two women giggled and lifted it from the ground, then placed it back on the table.
“Well, that was bigger than expected,” Ulita commented.
“Certainly. I think this formula might get the green light,” Erika said.
Just as Erika was about to praise the formula in her notes, the zucchini began to grow even larger and made the table buckle beneath its weight. Ulita sprang into action, grabbing the serum to make the growth stop and essentially kill the hormones. Erika sighed.
“Well, so much for that,” she said.
Ulita giggled.
“It could have been worse,” she commented.
“How?” Erika asked.
“It could have exploded,” Ulita replied.
Erika laughed.
“I guess you’re right,” she said. “I just wish it would have worked.”
“We’ll keep tweaking the formula until it’s just right,” Ulita said.
“Wise words, amiga. Let’s get it done,” Erika said.
Time passed quickly as they went to work editing their original formula, Erika pinning back her bangs in order to focus on the exact measurements the formula required. Ulita mixed together a few liquids and added it to the main beaker, watching as the mixture bubbled up and then settled. They ran a few trials with different liquids, each one causing the zucchini to grow far too much than they wanted. By midday, Erika was ready to give up.
“I think we should go for a break. This has been an exhausting trial,” Erika commented.
“I agree. Let’s grab something to eat and then head to the park,” Ulita said.
“Great idea,” Erika said.
They grabbed their bags and went to the dining hall to grab a packed lunch, then walked across the fields to the park on the other end. Erika looked up at the beautiful blue sky filled with ships. She bit into her sandwich, smiling at a passing starship.
“It’s just too nice out to work inside,” she commented while picking up her water bottle.
“I know, but we need to get that formula down before the end of the week,” Ulita said while munching on a carrot. “Mr. Mets said he wants the results in his email as soon as the sun sets on Friday.”
“You’re right. I suppose we should get it done early so we can take a day off,” Erika said.
“That sounds like a great idea. Let’s do that,” Ulita said.
When they were finished eating, they collected their waste, then returned to the greenhouse to dispose of their waste and continue working on the formula. Erika’s chip beeped. An alert for Factory G appeared.
“Who in the world keeps messing with Factory G’s functions?” Erika asked out loud.
“What?” Ulita asked, looking up from her beaker.
“I sent in a maintenance request yesterday for one of the conveyer belts and apparently it’s still malfunctioning,” Erika replied. “I have to go check it out.
“Good luck,” Ulita called.
“I’ll need it. I swear somebody is just messing with that thing,” Erika said while heading out the door.
The flash drive was safely in her apron pocket and she walked quickly up the path towards Factory G. In the distance, Erika noticed Leonard approaching with a massive squash on his shoulders. She smiled, raising her hand to her face in an effort to hide the blush that was beginning to appear.
“Good day, ma’am,” Leonard said when he got closer.
“Hola, Leonard. How are you doing?” Erika asked.
“I’m doing well. How about yourself?” he asked in return.
“I’m doing well. There’s another malfunction in Factory G,” Erika replied.
“Those pesky machines seem to be giving you a hard time,” Leonard joked.
Erika laughed nervously and continued walking, shoving her hands in her pockets. Her left pocket held her phone and--
“Ma’am?”
Turning slowly, Erika noticed the flash drive sitting between Leonard’s fingers, his hand outstretched to her with a sly smile.
“You seem to have dropped this,” he said.
Erika smiled politely and slowly grabbed the flash drive to place in her pocket. She looked down to make sure it didn’t have a hold. If there was no hole for it to fall through, then how did he manage to get a hold of it? It was quite a trick.
“Oh,” Erika said. “Thank you again.”
“Of course,” Leonard replied.
As Erika turned to walk away, she kicked herself for not saying anything. She walked a few feet and then heard Leonard clear his throat. When she turned around, she found her had set the squash down on the ground and was holding his hands together.
“Would you maybe care to join me for dinner?” he asked sweetly, shining his debonair smile.
Erika beamed.
“I would love to!” she replied. “Tomorrow evening? Reventes’ Palace?”
“That sounds absolutely wonderful,” Leonard replied. “Shall we go right after work?”
“Sure. I’d like that,” Erika responded with a shy smile.
“Great. I’ll see you then,” Leonard said, lifting the squash up on to his shoulders.
Elated, Erika watched the brawny man walk away and stop in the middle of the pathway. He turned and winked in her direction, sending goosebumps across her arms even under the warm rays of the sun. When he continued walking, Erika turned around and excitedly walked towards Factory G. She tapped her code into the keypad and walking inside. She caught her reflection in part of the machinery and smiled.
Elation filled her like a helium balloon, expanding her stomach and causing her arms and legs to feel weightless. She went through the motions of running the diagnostic and setting up a maintenance call for the next morning. After finishing up, she walked back out into the humid air and held out her arms towards the skies. She had never felt such happiness prior to this moment, at least not since she graduated from agricultural school.
A number of drones flew by and she waved at them. She didn’t care how silly it might look. She was just happy, the incredible feeling pulsing through her veins and causing her to double over with giggles as she sprinted back towards the greenhouse. Ulita was inside adding a few touches to the nearly completed formula. She stared at Erika who was brimming with confidence.
“Are you alright?” Ulita asked. “You look like you won something.”
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Erika replied. “I’m just happy today.”
“Come on. Nobody looks that happy unless they got laid
,” Ulita said jokingly.
“I mean, that’s certainly a possibility,” Erika said.
Ulita’s blue eyes went wide.
“Did you just ask our Mr. Mets?!” she asked.
Erika shook her head.
“No way!” she cried. “I’ve just been asked out, actually.”
“By who?!” Ulita asked, nearly shrill.
“A guy,” Erika replied.
“What guy?” Ulita asked. “Come on, amiga. Don’t leave me hanging here.”
“His name is Leonard,” Erika responded. “And we’re having dinner tomorrow evening.”
Ulita squealed.
“Praise the Guilderan King! I can’t believe you have a date,” Ulita said.
“Can’t believe it?” Erika asked playfully.
Ulita rolled her eyes.
“You know what I mean. Congrats, amiga. I’m happy for you,” Ulita said with a smile.
Erika beamed.
“Me too.”
Chapter Six
During lunch the next day, Leonard sat with his friend Peter and munched on a protein sandwich with a side of pickles. They were discussing their vacation plans and Leonard mentioned the beach.
“The beach?” Peter scoffed. “Why would you go to the beach when you can send yourself past Pluto?”
“I think it would be lovely,” Leonard said. “I enjoy the sound of the ocean and the way the sand feels.”
“Most of the sand has been either cleaned or replaced since the oil spill of 3065,” Peter commented.
“I realize that,” Leonard said. “But it would still be amazing to go, especially with a lovely lady.”
“Oh?” Peter asked, raising his eyes.
Leonard smiled and looked down at his tray, recalling how gorgeous Erika had looked when he had asked her to dinner. He pushed some of the pickles around.
“Alright, who is it?” Peter asked.
While setting down his sandwich, Leonard picked up a napkin and wiped his hands. He shrugged.
“Her name is Erika,” he replied. “And she’s absolutely beautiful.”
“Yeah? Does she work here?” Peter asked.
“She does. She’s the head scientist in the greenhouse,” Leonard replied.
“Oh really? She sounds like a high class lady,” Peter commented.
“She’s certainly up there, but I think she’s lovely. Her smile lights up the field, I swear,” Leonard said, looking out the window at the green grass decorated with a bountiful harvest.
“You’re not worried about her being your superior?” Peter asked.
“Should I be?” Leonard asked in return.
Peter shrugged.
“I don’t think so. Some folks might have some words about it, but I wouldn’t worry about it,” Peter said.
“Words?” Leonard asked.
“Well, yeah. You two are different.”
“How so?”
“You’re a field worker and she’s a scientist. That’s pretty different, amigo.”
“It’s not like she’s a fish and I’m a bird.”
“You might as well be.”
Leonard frowned.
“You think I shouldn’t have done that?” he asked.
“No way, amigo. Get it while you’re young. There’s no reason you shouldn’t pursue her. I was just saying,” Peter replied.
“Now you’re just making me nervous,” Leonard said, lifting his glass of water.
As he took a sip, Peter shook his head.
“Don’t worry, Leonard,” Peter assured him. “It’s going to be fine. So, where are you taking the sweet lady?”
“To Reventes’ Palace,” Leonard replied.
“That sounds fancy,” Peter said. “And expensive.”
“It should be fine. I have some money in savings that I have yet to spend,” Leonard said.
“Well, then it sounds great, Leonard. I’m glad to see you’re taking chances,” Peter said with a genuine smile.
“I just hope she likes me, you know?” Leonard said.
“I’m sure she will,” Peter said. “You’re a great guy.”
Leonard smiled.
“Thanks, amigo,” he said.
“Any time. What are friends for?” Peter asked rhetorically. “Alright, you ready to crank out the rest of the day?”
“Absolutely,” Leonard replied.
They stood from the table and took their trays to the washer, then followed the group of men back out to the field for another round of harvesting. It wouldn’t be long until he had Erika in his company. As he raised the hoe over his head to strike the earth, he saw the brown strands of her hair in the soil. In his imagination, the seeds he had just strewn on the ground formed her eyes and he drew a smile to match, studying the impromptu portrait he had just created.
Leonard struck the ground with a grin and gripped the handle hard as he raised it back over his head. It was as if his vitality was renewed. The sun’s rays seemed to be pumping him with an energy that he hadn’t felt since he had the serum injection. He couldn’t tell if it was his body refueling itself or if that happiness was playing a factor, but either way he didn’t care. He felt exceptional and incredible.
He felt unstoppable.
~~~
“Finally!” Erika cried while setting the beaker down on the table. “Ulita, we’ve got it!”
Excitedly, Ulita sprinted from the other side of the dome and appeared at Erika’s side, leaning in close to inspect the formula.
“Did the hydrogen work?” Ulita asked.
“Yep,” Erika replied with her hands on her hips.
“And the Hormone FG6?” Ulita asked, stirring the liquid with a glass cylinder.
“Yep again,” Erika replied proudly.
“I can’t believe we’ve done it. Four day weekend, here we come!” Ulita cried triumphantly. “Shall we deliver it today?”
“Of course! We need to get this out of the way so Mr. Mets will clear us for the remainder of the week,” Erika responded.
“This is just fantastic. I’m so happy, amiga,” Ulita said.
“Let me type up the abstract for it and then we can take it to Mr. Mets,” Erika said.
“Actually, I was going to ask if you wouldn’t mind me taking off early and you taking it yourself,” Ulita said.
Erika sat silently for a moment.
“I think that should be fine,” she said with a smile. “It won’t take me very long anyway. Enjoy the rest of your day, amiga.”
“Thanks, doll. You, too,” Ulita said.
After Ulita left, silence filled the dome and Erika typed quickly into her touch pad to email the results to Mr. Mets. She documented the color of the liquid, the results, and projected how it might fare in a long-term study. Once it was all written up, she sent the email and then stood to collect her belongings. The office was located just beyond the dining hall, only a twenty minute walk from the dome.
Perhaps she might even run into Leonard.
Erika shut off the touch pad and locked it in a drawer, then carefully poured the formula into a container that kept it sealed. She grabbed her bag and then left the dome, making sure the door was locked behind her. The field was already filled with all manner of produce. She admired the colorful vegetables and fruits, shoulders pulled back as she walked past the dining hall and to the main office of the field.
The door displayed her superior’s name in large black letters with an additional note underneath that stated his position: Head Director. She knocked twice and waited for the locked to click, signaling her permission to enter. Inside, she found Mr. Mets sitting at his desk, a digital display taking up most of the surface. He was tapping the glass and clicking on different aerial views of the field, checking stats and documenting their progress.
“Ah, my lead agriculturalist,” Mr. Mets said. “How are we doing today?”
“Doing well, sir. How about yourself?” Erika responded.
“I’m great. How’s the formula coming along?” he a
sked.
“It’s a success,” Erika replied proudly while setting the container on the corner of his desk.
He held out his hand for the container and she handed it to him, watching as he raised it up and studied the contents.
“And this will produce better crops?” he asked.
“Yes, sir,” she replied.
“Without any negative side effects?” he asked.
“Yes, sir,” she replied.
“Fantastic!” he said. “I just looked through part of your report. I’m quite impressed with the work you and Ulita have done. It makes me proud of our province.”
“Thank you, sir. We both enjoy what we do,” Erika said with a smile.
“I’ve been observing you for some time now, Ms. Hopkins, and I truly admire what you do. I think you would be better in a higher role,” Mr. Mets said.
“A higher role?” Erika asked. “What do you mean, sir?”
“I mean, I want you to be a trainer,” he replied. “You’re our greatest scientist and I want you to inspire our youth to reach higher. Perhaps we can rid ourselves of field workers altogether.”
Erika smiled politely and looked at the container of liquid she had created with Ulita.
“Creating a new workforce that’s purely mechanical would displace a great deal of people, sir,” Erika explained. “It would put out a lot of farming families.”
“They’ll survive somehow. There’s plenty of jobs,” Mr. Mets said while waving his hand. “Why don’t you just think about it and get back to me?”
“Sure thing, sir,” Erika replied. “Have a good day.”
As Erika exited the office without giving Mr. Mets time to say goodbye, she grimaced. She groaned as she made her way back to the dome where she might find some reprieve from the offer she had received. It wasn’t a bad offer, but it meant it would affect a great number of people, including Leonard.
At least her date was this evening. That brought her back to happiness and she got lost in her plants for an hour, waiting on Leonard to make his appearance.
Chapter Seven