'Our best hope is to transplant enough cosmos among the peanuts to support the ladybugs, but to do that you'd need a variety of year round pollinator sources. I know, you have bees, but if that's your only pollinator and something happens to them, well you're in trouble, and we've seen it before,' Catalina said. 'What we'll need to do is transplant approximately twenty thousand hectares worth of plants among your peanuts. We’ll focus on the cosmos and whatever wild flowers you have, as well as a good amount of native grasses.'
'We have to transplant grass? That sounds terrible! Didn't Mr. Jupiter mention something about seeds?'
'We'll definitely give you what seeds we can. If they do well, that'll save you some time, but we've found its best to rely on the plants that are already established on this world.'
'But this will ruin our economy! How are supposed to harvest enough peanuts to sell to Bulletar?'
'You can still use your harvesters. The grass and wildflower mix doesn't have to be planted amongst the peanuts except this one time. That's why we recommend transplanting as much as possible. You can move the peanuts from this part of the planet to over the mountains where we’ll dig up the native mix, creating a patchwork in both places, or you can simply forget about the 20,000 hectares of peanuts and plant the native crop, and either harvest by hand later, or just forget about it.'
'We can't afford that. We're spread thin enough. The peanuts are all we have to pay our loans.'
'That's why we call it a D and S then, you gotta move them both ways, Dig and swap.'
Chapter 20
The work wasn't as bad as La'Shay thought it would be. Backbreaking, yes. Tiring, yes. Tedious, definitely. But there was something soothing about digging up big thick mats of native plants, loading them on her Ultra-Reaper or one of the ground-bound trailers attached to it, and hauling the wildflowers and grasses closer to Hearth. After a week, the progress was remarkable. Instead of endless rows of peanuts, there was now a patchwork of rectangles. Peanuts dominated a few acres then a smattering of grasses and wildflowers brightened up the previously vibrant, yet monotonous, landscape. Best of all, the beetles didn't seem to mind in the least. They came along with the chunks of earth and plants that the population of Wholhom so carefully transplanted, and went about their work.
The aphids that had been afflicting the plants were nowhere to be seen, undoubtedly wiped out by the powerful genetech weapon La'Shay had attacked them with. Unfortunately, microscopic analysis of the soil showed that there was no going back. The soil was rife with their proboscises, which were made out of the ultra-durable carbon molecules. Ikamon stuck by his theory that the whole thing was a setup, that whoever sold La'Shay the genetech had known that the aphids had augmented mouths, were banking on it in fact, but no one else seemed to give this much credence. If they did, they didn't talk about it with La'Shay, at least not at first, but after a few days La'Shay found herself stooped over a pocket of cosmos with a hand shovel and Captain Mondragon moving steadily closer towards her. That she hadn't seen any of the crew yet hadn't surprised her. Thousands of people had taken to the fields on her command to save Wholhom's livelihood, though in truth, perhaps even that was an overstatement. With everyone pitching in, it was likely they'd still make their shipment of peanuts to Bulletar, fulfill their debt, and thus keep their rights to their planet under the Charter. La'Shay realized that Wholhom was never going to starve. The planet was self-sufficient enough. There were hobby farms and plenty of peanut-butter and honey. It was just that without their exports, they'd import less. They could have been living a life of ease if not for the peanut deal. All of this raced through her mind, and as if the Captain of the Artemis had some sort of extra sensory perception, she sidled up next to La'Shay and probed along this very line of reasoning.
'So who set up your trade agreement with Bulletar?' Captain Mondragon asked almost casually.
'Some suit from the corps. Said he could give us good money if we could supply Bulletar and maybe Tanagra with peanuts, that they'd trade us for high fructose corn syrup.'
'Some deal.'
'Yeah well, try making candy without it.'
The captain didn't say anything for a moment but then said, 'you know, you're doing well here. Even with your little slip up with the genetech, I can see that Wholhom is in good hands. You do the Institute proud.'
La'Shay found that a second member of the crew of the Artemis had made her blush. 'I don't think I'd ever have a place out there working for the Institute,' she said.
Mondragon shrugged. ‘No. Probably not. You're a groundworm through and through, but that's what the Institute needs, people like you willing to do whatever it takes to expand life. I just hope that next time you remember that there are sanctions on that crap for a reason. Who's to say what will happen to that fungus in the future? Hopefully the ladybugs will eat it happily enough, but it could have been worse.'
‘I know I shouldn't have used the genetech, but how else am I supposed to feed Bulletar?'
'Why do you need to feed Bulletar?'
'There's going to be over a million people in those burbdomes within the decade. They need calories! All they have is organo-printers, and those are disgusting. I don't even like that crap on interstellar flights. I don’t know how you do it'
'Ikamon is a fine chef so long as he doesn’t have to actually cook the seafood he serves, Relkor knows how to prepare every vegetable in the inhabited sector and Roman works wonders with insect protein. We eat well on the Artemis, probably almost as well as you do here on Wholhom,' Captain Mondragon said.
'Well that's the thing, right? Al those people on Bulletar are eating crap…'
'So what? That's their choice. They're the ones who wanted to move into that thing. We owe them nothing,' Mondragon.
'But the charter says…'
'The Charter gives colonists a right to fresh air, clean water, and either tillable soil or fishable sea. It says nothing about peanut butter, or beer, or vegetables or anything else. The Charter is about promising people the right to work, because the founders of the Institute knew that in doing so, they would have to create a world around them that would, in turn, make their own lives more sustainable and create a new sort of economic ecosystem for the future. Whatever they are doing in the burbdomes has nothing to do with that. Bulletar has no need for peanut butter, just as you have no need for high fructose corn syrup. If you need it so bad you can trade for it or grow it yourself, but the amount of peanuts you are growing here is preposterous!'
'So you're saying not to export anything?'
'No, not at all. If Wholhom grows good peanuts, by all means send them to another planet, but don't do it at the expense of the health of your biosphere or at so large a scale you have to sell the rights granted to your people by the Charter. You can't let the biological systems that work tirelessly for you collapse. If the last of those beetles were to starve, I don't know if we would have been able to save your world. I still don't know if we can but because of them we have a shot. That is what the Institute is about, establishing and strengthening what were once considered 'natural' systems to a point that they don't need human intervention, and we can let them take care of us like they once did on Earth-1. Wholhom had that, at least that's what my reports say, but if this fungus gets out of control or you lose those beetles, well then that's it. Just remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. The miracle cures only work for a season, before leaving you worse than you started. You're doing well here, but try to support a little more than just the peanuts, and you'll find that you’ll reap far more as well.'
La'Shay nodded as Mondragon stood up and stretched, pushing her hands deep into her lower back. Even after working the dirt, her uniform was immaculate.
‘Doctor, I think that does it. Farah has unloaded all of the gramma and buffalo grass. That needs to be spread wherever you have thin spots. She's loaded up peanuts for us to take and use if we need them as well.'
‘We've only moved a few hu
ndred hectares, there's still thousands more,' La'Shay protested.
'And now that you understand the importance of the work, you'll be sure that your people do it, correct?'
'Well, of course, but-'
'Then there is no reason for my ship and crew to stay here any longer. We have given you back your tillable soil, and I have faith that you will not squander it away and let the burbdomes move in here.'
'Of course not! Especially now that I understand Wholhom’s ecology is more than peanuts and bees.'
'Then our work here is done. We've fulfilled our end of the Charter, and you're going to fulfill yours. We'll launch this evening.'
'Oh,' La'Shay said, suddenly crestfallen. 'I guess I won't get to say goodbye to the crew then, or thank Officer Relkor or Roman.'
Catalina rolled her eyes. 'This work isn’t going anywhere. Go say your goodbyes, just don’t let us be late.'
La'Shay nodded, 'Yes sir.'
Chapter 21
She found him among the cosmos, fondling one of the mushroom caps that had caused her so much trouble. He was covered in the black ladybugs. Gently, he coaxed one of the beetles down his finger and to the mushroom, where it tentatively nibbled, then began to devour the food source. Roman nodded cooed at the insect.
'Roman,' La'Shay started, but Roman shushed her. He held still until the beetle stopped eating, then opened up its hard outer wings—elytra Roman had called them—unfolded its delicate inner wings, and flew off into the field of peanuts.
'She's off to teach her friends,’ Roman whispered.
'I didn't know beetles could share information like that,’ La’Shay said.
Roman shrugged. 'Who the hell knows? Bees can trade information, as can ants, I'd wager beetles can too. We better hope they do for the sake of our planet.'
'That's why I'm here Roman, I wanted to say thank you, and apologize,' La'Shay took of her glasses and polished them.
Roman stood and looked at her with his complete attention. It was like being bathed in lust and affection. His eyes dove into hers, searching her soul. His body seemed relaxed yet ready for action. Certainly the bulge in his uniform was. 'There is no need to apologize for anything, except perhaps for removing those refractory devices which you know I find so intoxicating.'
'No Roman, there is. I looked up to people like you, interstellar ecologists from the Institute. You were sort of my heroes, and then you got here and I lied about what had been happening.'
'You didn't lie, you just didn't tell the whole truth,' Roman said.
‘OK…’ La’Shay was growing frustrated, ‘Look I just wanted to say I'm sorry before you go. This world owes the Artemis its very existence. You all gave us a sorely needed reality check, and I personally wanted to say thanks for showing me the cosmos.'
'Does a daffodil thank the bumblebee for drinking its nectar as it rubs itself in pollen? Does the fungus thank the ant that so carefully tends to its needs before devouring its fruiting bodies? We are a pair as perfect as anything nature has produced. Thanks never be said between us. It’s as preposterous as a dandelion thanking the wind.'
La'Shay stepped up to Roman, moved within breathing distance of him and kissed him to get him to stop babbling. She inhaled deeply as she closed her eyes and felt Roman's lips firm then loosen to stimulate her own. He smelled of dirt mostly, but also of sweat, and of something more… something darkly pungent that reminded La'Shay of the foothills now and that she found exhilarating. She breathed him in for the last time and let his big hairy arms hold her close, pushing her small breasts against his burly chest. She'd miss him, his courageous bulge, his untamed hair. She’d even miss the fruity way he talked. He was unlike anything she'd seen on this world that she'd chosen to help establish, probably unlike anything a farming planet like Wholhom would ever see again. She'd miss him, she was certain of that.
'I just wanted to say goodbye,' La'Shay said.
'Good-bye? Do you have business outside Hearth? If you’re gone long I’d like to meet spend time with your beekeeper. I have questions about swarming on the outer planets, and perhaps can start a hive of my own under his guidance.'
La'Shay paused. 'The Artemis is flying out tonight. Surely Captain Mondragon told you.'
'Yes, she told me, but I told her that my place was here with you.'
La'Shay was speechless. Finally she managed, 'wait, what?'
'There's still so much we have to see together! I have chrysalises in the Arrow-5 to unload. Perhaps we can release them beyond the mountains and see if we can establish a wild butterfly population! And to think, I haven't even tried Wholhom's peanut butter. It must be legendary. And if you liked cosmos, I believe I saw zexmania ready to bloom. Tell me, do you have a wet season?' Roman grinned.
'But you belong on the Artemis. Captain Mondragon told me to make sure you get on it.'
'Oh, don't worry about the captain. She gets jealous when she sees me fall in love.'
'Wait. WHAT?'
Roman tried to hide his grin. 'I thought it was obvious… maybe I’m rushing into things but whatever, if everything took that attitude the fireflies would never light up because they'd always be waiting for another to start the show. La'Shay Winston, I love you. I love the way the stars of this world and the fireflies light up your eyes. I love the feel of your delicious skin against my own. I love your passion for this planet and how willing you are to listen to people who want to help. I love your vision, and your drive. I love your glasses, I love everything about you.'
'Don't you think you're going a little fast?' La’Shay managed to say.
Roman grinned. 'I understand if you don't feel like I do quite yet because I don't see how anyone could love someone as much as I love you. I'm so excited about building this planet together. Just think of it, entomologist and master botanist, united in love, and one day marriage or civil union or whatever you want but preferably none of the old mono religions, unless that's your thing then I can learn to love that too.'
'You want to get married?'
'Yes! Yes I do, I do!' Roman's eyes were moist now, his big grin shaking at its edges. La'Shay was beginning to grow concerned.
'Together we'll turn this planet into something amazing, with our love as the wind, there is no limit to where the creatures of this world can soar… and who knows, maybe one day our children will be able to appreciate the butterflies we release today!'
For a long moment La'Shay said nothing. She let Roman hold her to him, his strong arms enveloping her until it began to feel like she was being smothered. It didn’t take long. She felt the top of her head grow moist and realized Roman was gently weeping. 'I'm so happy,' she thought she heard him whisper but dared not ask him to repeat himself. Her mind raced. They'd had sex one time, well one night. It had been amazing without a doubt, but now he wanted to marry her and have kids? La'Shay had never wanted kids. If she had she wouldn’t have moved to some nearly uninhabited outer world. And Roman was willing to give up his life among the stars just like that? She was flattered that he liked her, but also knew from Relkor that he had been with other women. Did he pull this crap on all of them? Somehow, despite all this, La'Shay finally found the words she was looking for.
'Did you say the chrysalises were on your ship?'
Chapter 22
'I wish I could show you the library, but the captain has orders and has to get out of system. She says she doesn’t have time to shuttle us back and forth and recharge the bacterial fuel cells. The Artemis is the most amazing thing. Big as a sports arena and filled with every insect you can imagine. Fireflies, ants, beetles, true bugs, flies, wasps, spiders too! Pity really… I'll miss it,' Roman shook his head. 'But compared to you and this world of yours it is but a petal of a flower.’
La'Shay nodded. She was getting tired of smiling. She'd called Captain Mondragon earlier who'd told her to arrive as close to 6pm, Wholhom time, as possible. She didn't seem in the least bit surprised at Roman's new-found feelings. 'Don’t be late or we’re leaving wi
thout him. If you’re early he might figure it out.’
La’Shay hadn’t been sure if the captain was entirely serious, but she would not risk being late. They arrived at 5:58. Roman was quite distressed. His babbling had grown faster and less cohesive. He was very concerned about getting the butterflies.
'Come on. We have to hurry.'
'Won’t I contaminate the ship or something?' La'Shay said lamely.
'The Artemis? What are you crazy? We got more bacteria on there than the Seedpods did. We're inoculated against just about anything that ever lived on Earth-1 and most of the stuff that evolved since. I imagine you will be too after all the smooching we're going to do,' Roman grinned.
'Just get the butterflies. I'll talk to the Captain.'
'Of course, Shay. Butterfly kisses?' Roman batted his eyelashes and La'Shay made herself do the same.
'Don't go anywhere, OK?'
'Oh, I won't.'
Roman vanished into the ship. La'shay banged against the hull three times as she'd been instructed and the Arrow of the Artemis lifted right up. La'Shay hadn't heard its grav generators humming, but was thankful that the Institute had machines that purred more quietly than her Ultra-Reaper. The ship got maybe ten feet up before a blood curdling scream echoed from the now closing cargo door.
'Shaaaaay!' screamed Roman, his voice in agony. 'Damnit Ikamon let me go!'
Fireflies and Cosmos: Interstellar Spring Book 1 Page 9