The Brownings spent three months in The Settlement staying in Evan's house, a place he had never seen, and another three months travelling around Australia.
On the eve of their departure, Charles made a rather formal farewell speech to David and Chloe, 'What you have done here is amazing. We are not sure about the forecasts and have decided, if necessary, we would rather face our demise at home in familiar surroundings. Anyway, at our time of life it is difficult to see what we could contribute here. So thank you for your hospitality and we will keep in touch.'
Chloe glared at David, nodding as if to say, 'Just how I have always felt.'
Others from Beryl's family paid visits, and one couple stayed. Several made a point of visiting the pool with Tanya and a new group of the young, now of all colours, being introduced to living in the bush. Chloe always led the expedition, with Tanya still playing her vital role.
For most visitors, the pool experience was transformational and they returned home as advocates for the science and further action.
When Derain was asked for a date when the Ice Shelf would collapse, in his improved English, he said, 'White Goddess always talk about Ice Shelf. We know nothing of it. Big waters will rise, where from we do not know.' He spoke in his own language then, translated as, 'I will tell you one year from when big waters will rise, ancestor will tell me then.' Derain also made a point of saying to the group, 'Ancestor pleased with White Goddess and Settlement and David and family. Very pleased with brown and black people now coming to Settlement. Ancestor say that when big waters rise much land will return to Aboriginal people so we can look after land again. We, much help to Settlement, maybe Settlement much help to our people.'
Kim had spent many happy hours helping out in the hospital from the age of twelve. She was now at university in Sydney studying medicine. 'I'm going to stay there as long as I can, in other words until the Ice Shelf collapses. I'll come back here as often as I can cadge a lift either from Tanya in the helicopter or Granma,' she told her mother.
'Keeping up-to-date with The Settlement is important,' advised Patricia, 'but not at the expense of your studies.'
'The Academy is pretty important.' Kim quietly added, 'I wonder if I will be able to kill someone if I have to, or if I will just wimp out.'
Patricia had always seen her daughter as being helpful and concerned with the welfare of others, despite her forthrightness. She couldn't bear to think of her having to fight a real war, 'Don't worry about that at the moment, focus on your studies,' she said sympathetically.
Jason, Joe and Patricia's second child, had almost completed several electric and electronic engineering courses where he could find them, mostly on the Internet. He had worked with his father on many projects within the community and was as proficient as Joe in keeping all electrical installations functioning. He had even helped Joe build their first computer.
Always enthusiastic, he bounced into Joe's workshop one day saying, 'I don't think I need to complete a degree, but I want to learn from some people overseas. I've been in touch with some I'd like to visit. This is a rough itinerary. If I don't do it now I'll never get the chance.'
Joe finished what he was doing, before looking at the itinerary, 'Probably a good idea … and maybe some more places too.' The pair spent a companionable hour revising Jason's itinerary.
'Business class travel?' said Jason smiling. 'The Settlement will pay.'
Joe smiled. 'Chancer. Nothing but the very back of the plane for you mate, and the cheapest accommodation. We need information, not lessons in fancy travel. I'll speak to David as he's sensitive about using Settlement money for family members. But don't worry, we'll manage somehow.'