Future Chron Publishing Book 4 - From The Earth Series Book 4 - To Tend And Watch Over - Chapters 16 - 17

 

Image: Bruce Rolff

Chapter 16

What Arlo had said really bothered Davide. Breaking a law you didn't know existed was one thing, but losing your home to someone more politically connected than you was unforgivable. A government that would allow such a thing was not deserving of voluntary compliance. Such a government had only coercion and force left to accomplish its ends. He had decided he would grow the garden after hearing Arlo’s explanation of governmental misconduct. It was the first time that Davide had ever knowingly broken a rule.

The months passed and the garden grew. Davide studied the books he had bought and sent away for more. He spent almost every hour of daylight in the open field. He started before dawn and walked back home after dusk. Sigmund prepared his food, maintained the other robots, and the apartment and wondered if he could go with Davide. Davide explained that it was too far for Sigmund's battery power and Davide hadn't the money to upgrade it. Sigmund accepted the explanation but remained concerned about being separated from Davide so much.

As for Davide, he was happy with his new life. He had even forgotten the bitterness he had felt towards the government which had prompted him to start the garden.

The garden itself was a time machine. When Davide was there the hours stopped their march. The years dissolved, his grandmother was beside him again. The plants that took so much care gave back to him their fruit.

His hands had hardened with calluses but still, they could gently manipulate the plants. He could sun under a blue sky or bathe in a summer rain. He was sure this was where he was meant to be, this was what he was meant to do.

The others had helped by bringing out the tools and fertilizer themselves or if they had them, sending supplies out on their smart carts. The carts could roll or walk or climb, whatever was necessary to make their deliveries. Some even rode their smart carts to the field. There were many more people than Davide had first thought. And they were all young, about his age. They helped with the weeding and harvesting which Davide directed. 

Some brought newer ANI-based robots that could be taught to garden. Davide thought this a waste, to work with your hands in the dirt and with the plants was a reward, not a chore. But he said nothing.

After he found out that Sofia and Arlo were together, he didn't much think about them or the others. His schedule wasn't theirs. He came before anyone and usually left after everyone, unless they were spending the night. Davide never spent the night. This was his vocation, not his avocation. The garden was where he worked, the apartment was where he slept, somehow mixing the two seemed wrong.

Arlo was right about the government; the drones were Davide's constant companions. Obviously, the watchers knew who he was and what he was doing. They could have stopped him at any time but hadn't. 

Davide picked a couple of tomatoes and headed home for the day.

Chapter 17

Davide was tired when he got home. He had just set his tomatoes on the kitchen table and greeted Sigmund when the door buzzed. Through the peephole, he could see a couple of men in suits. 

Davide opened the door and the closest man said, “Are you Davide Ephraim Jackson?” 

“Yes sir,” said Davide. 

“May we come in?” asked the man. 

“Of course.”

The men sat on the couch across from Davide. One man was impeccably dressed; the other man's suit was ill-fitting.

“Mr. Jackson, my name is Alberto Alisi”, said the well-dressed man. “And this is Ugo Vicenzi. We are here to talk to you about the gardening you've been doing.” 

“Are you from the government?” asked Davide apprehensively. 

“No,” said Mr. Alisi with a smile. “Our employer is not associated with the government. But he is interested in what you have been doing out in the field a few miles from here.”

Davide turned to Sigmund and said, “Sigmund would you excuse us.” Sigmund went into the bedroom but could still hear them.

“How do you know what I've been doing?” 

“While our employer is not part of the government, he does have some connections that keep him informed of matters that may interest him. And what you have been doing out there in that field is of interest to him. You might say he has been watching over you ever since your first efforts to grow tomato plants. You no doubt received the book he sent?”

Vicenzi spoke up in a deeply accented Italian that wasn’t heard much anymore. 

“You might also be interested in knowing that if not for our employer your activities and those of your friends would have attracted the negative attention of the complex's government. I believe you have attracted their attention before?”

“Yes. But at that time, I didn't know I was doing anything that should attract their attention.” 

“But you do now?” asked Alisi. 

“Yes.”

“Well, we didn't mention the past to embarrass you but just to emphasize the advantages of having our employer as a benefactor.”

“Okay,” said Davide somewhat confused. “I think I understand what you are telling me. So, may I ask why your employer has sent you here?” 

“Mr. Jackson, he has plans for the area you've been working in. And because of your diligence and devotion, his plans include a position for you.”

Vicenzi spoke up, “Our employer wants to turn your area into a gardening showcase where you will be head gardener. A place where the people of your complex and others can go and enjoy the outdoors. Where they can learn something about growing plants. He believes it is important to reconnect people with nature. And he thinks you could be a great asset in explaining and showing why that reconnection is important.”

“Even so. How will you get all those people to the area safely?” 

“The transportation system you use to access the area will be restored for human use. People will ride in comfort to and from the area.”

“But one thing we want to emphasize,” said Alisi, “the gardening is of primary importance. This will not be an amusement park but a working garden. People will be able to volunteer their time and will be rewarded with the fruits of their labor. Just as you have been,” said Alisi, motioning to the tomatoes that Davide had brought home and set on the table.

“And the government is okay with the plans of your employer?” asked Davide with surprise in his voice.

“Mr. Jackson,” said Alisi. “The government and other powerful interests I could mention are eager to see that our employer's plans come to fruition. Their only requirement is that all those directing the work be certified.” 

The other interests must be the Ems, thought Davide. 

“Well,” he said quietly. “You know everything, so you know I am not certified.”

“But you could become certified. You have more talent than most certified gardeners. And of course, our employer will pick up all costs. The only thing required of you is that you show the same diligence and devotion to learning that you have shown to your garden.”

Davide's heart leapt. “I think I can do that.” 

“Good, we have an understanding then. You will start gardening studies as soon as possible. By the time you are finished the project will be well underway. Thank you and good luck with your studies.” The men shook Davide's hand and left.

Davide sat at his kitchen table studying the tomatoes he had brought home with him. He called Sigmund into the room and told him that he was going to be a certified gardener. He was going to make gardening his real vocation. He was astonished at what had just happened. Sigmund only half understood but remarked at what good news it was.

Sigmund began dinner preparations.

Davide sat at the table watching Sigmund. He still couldn't believe it. He forgot the government machinations he had suffered through. He forgot the pain of his losses. He only remembered the smell of tomatoes ripening in the sun and the smile on his grandmother's face.

END