Page 20 of The First Indigan


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  Ann got Mike to agree to allow the Chief and his construction team to work on her gardening projects while he finished his design concept. With the help of the Chief, Ann soon had her garden containers built. Each container was covered with a lighting fixture, but the color characteristics of the lights varied with the projected crop. The vegetables were especially responsive to the light color characteristics. Most of the vegetables were to be grown in hydroponic containers but the root crops such as potatoes and carrots needed the artificial soil which she had been developing. She had plans to eventually develop the capability for the growing of grains and even miniature fruit trees.

  When Mike came by to examine the work, Ann asked him if it would be possible to develop a pond structure and possibly even a miniature stream. He initially insisted it was impossible and all fluids would need to be contained in vessels. Ann gently pressed the issue and asked if it was possible to design a vessel that looked like a pond and a miniature stream.

  Mike asked her why she needed the pond and she replied, "Brother Simon and I have been working on a genetically engineered strain of trout that we could raise for fresh food."

  Mike agreed that fresh fish would be much preferred to the protein substitute that they had been eating. He wondered why the fish could not be raised in simple tanks.

  Ann replied, "The tanks would work, but I think that the pond would add significant beauty to the garden we are building. If we can have both practicality and beauty, everyone's life would be better." Mike grumbled something about functionality being beautiful, but agreed to think about it. Ann thanked him and said, "I am sure that you will be able to design hidden emergency covers that will meet the safety requirements."

  The next day the Chief was smiling when he arrived at the garden area. He handed Ann a drawing of a pond with a small stream feeding it. The handwritten note said, "Kate said this was important so I designed your pond. The emergency covers will be hidden alongside the container and we will build in holders for your plants. I will confirm the design with the Captain. Mike."

  The Chief said, "We will create a small artificial hill because the pond cannot penetrate into the shell of our ship." He went on explaining the technical aspects of the water flow and filtration system, but Ann was no longer listening. She looked up from the drawing and had tears in her eyes, she gave the Chief a spontaneous hug and excused herself. The Chief shook his head and said to himself, "The lady gets what she wants and then cries about it. It makes no sense."

  Ann called Doc Jules and asked him if she could stop by. He said, "Sure, come on over." Ann walked over carrying a package and an envelope. Doc Jules asked, "What are you carrying."

  She said, "A couple of presents." Doc Jules unwrapped the package and stared at the glass container which was filled with water and small wiggling specks. He said, "They are fish fry, aren't they?" Ann just nodded. Doc Jules then asked, "Where did they come from? What kind of fish are they?"

  Ann laughed and said, "Brother Simon and I have been working for a while trying to find a way to utilize our stored fish embryos to produce a high-quality fresh protein supplement. He was able to produce an embryo that was genetically coded to delay sexual maturity in order to improve the eating qualities and efficiencies of growth. The original embryo was then cloned and these babies were initially raised in a nutrient broth until they matured enough to begin eating."

  Doc Jules interrupted her and asked again, "What type of fish are they?" Ann looked thoughtful and said, "They are a type of trout, something called a ‘summer run steelhead'. I am not sure just what that means, except that Brother Simon liked their genetic profile and said you would be happy with the choice." When Doc Jules heard this he sat at his desk and contemplated the container of baby fish.

  After a few minutes Ann asked him if something was wrong, and when he looked up she saw that he had tears in his eyes. Doc Jules replied, "No, nothing is wrong, but I owe my life to these fish." He then recounted the story of dealing with his depression and suicidal thoughts on the Deschutes River. He related how watching the steelhead struggle to complete its primordial journey had given him the courage to continue. He finished by saying, "I think these are the greatest fish in the world and I accept your gift."

  Ann handed him the envelope and said, "Here is the rest of the present."

  Doc Jules opened the envelope and quickly recognized that it contained plans for a fish pond. His face lit up and he said laughingly, "You are really intent on making sure that I pay my debt and fix you the fish dinners that I promised."

  Ann smiled and said, "I am looking forward to them very much."

  Doc Jules stood up and gave her a warm hug and said, "I am looking forward to fixing them and I thank you again for giving me the opportunity." They then discussed the care and feeding of the baby fish. Doc Jules asked her if she would come by and check on them occasionally. Ann said she would. As Ann was returning to her gardening she noticed that her step had a very joyful spring to it.