At the first settlement, the same routine governed each day. More colonists were going out to gather food and explore the area. Everyone presumed there were no intelligent life forms to threaten them. The women were becoming familiar with the local plants and animals, and some were getting accustomed to food preparation. Even a few of the Rabizut women tried some cooking.
Nireem was pleased with how quickly the transition to local food was going. However, some holdouts still existed, and many liked a combination of food bars from the stock brought on the lander and local items. This morning, he was meeting with their two scientists.
“Morning, D^Lanoden. Any new discoveries today? The Commander asked in jest. Then Solracin, the biologist, entered the small laboratory where they worked.
“Good morning, Commander.” He was always more formal.
“So, what is the topic this morning?”
Solracin took a deep breath and glanced nervously toward D^Lanoden.
“We’ve been talking. On Tridon, there are seasons, but the differences are barely noticeable. However, the plants have synchronized with them. They all have a time when new leaves appear and flowering begins. Then they bear fruit, and later the plants lose their leaves and don’t do much until the seasonal cycle starts over.”
“Yes. So what are you saying?”
“Commander, We are gathering ripe fruit and vegetables, which comes at the end of the cycle. And we’ve noticed the leaves are drier, and some have fallen off the trees. Do we know anything about the seasons here? We might be approaching a period when there isn’t any food to collect.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Sir, I was walking in the woods and saw a small animal burying a nut. In nature, animals have the instinct to prepare for what is ahead. I think this animal is storing food. Maybe it's my imagination, but we don’t know what changes are coming. We don’t know if it will get colder. I just wanted you to consider what it might mean for us.”
Nireem was surprised. “Do you have any ideas for how we might figure out what's ahead?”
“Watch the birds and animals to see if they act differently. Maybe one of the navigators knows something about seasons on other planets.”
It had never occurred to Nireem that the weather might change significantly. However, he had one absolute rule: be prepared for the worst.
“Thanks! I never thought about changing seasons. I’ll ask our navigators about it.”
Leaving the science lab, Nireem spoke Gergin's name into his communicator.
A few moments later, he heard, “You called, sir?”
“Let's meet. What's convenient?”
“I’m in the medical facility getting my leg checked.”
“Stay there. I will be right over,” the Commander replied.
In the medical facility, he saw Gergin sitting on an exam table.
“Gergin, I need your brain. Are you about done here?”
“Yeah. Still need to wear this cast, but everything looks good.”
“Let's go next door.” The two left. Gergin was now quite adept at using his crutches.
Sitting at a small table, Nireem asked, “Did your planetary studies ever deal with seasons?”
“Yes, on some planets, they are very pronounced. Why do you ask?”
“Our biologist mentioned that plants tend to have an annual cycle. Their fruit is ripe near the end of the growing season. I realized we haven’t considered the seasons here.”
“And you want to understand how seasons here will affect us?”
“Exactly, Gergin. How do we know where we are in the cycle and what to expect?” Nireem was pleased with how quickly Gergin grasped his concern.
“The angle between a planet's axis of rotation and the orbital plan determines most seasonal variation if the orbit isn’t too extreme. Here, that angle is greater than on Tridon.”
“How can we detect seasonal temperature patterns?”
“When a hemisphere is tilted away from the planet's star, the solar energy it receives is less. So if we measure that daily, we can determine if the climate is getting cooler or warmer.”
“Understand. OK, can you set up the measurements?” Nireem asked.
“Yes, sir. Will do. We can use one of the solar energy detectors.”
“Good. Any idea how much daily temperatures might change?”
“Sir. As a first approximation, the temperature variation should be about three times what we experienced on Tridon. So I would estimate it would be between 30 and 45 degrees here.”
“Thanks, Gergin. Keep me informed of your measurements,” Nireem said calmly, hiding his shock. It was clear they would have to store food for the cold season.
The Commander left the central facility, thinking he needed to spend some time away from the settlement. He wanted to see the signs of changing seasons their biologist had mentioned.
“Nevetsin,” he spoke into his communicator.
“Here, sir. What's up?” came the reply.
“I would like to spend some time out in the surrounding countryside. I am particularly interested in evidence of changing seasons. Can a couple of your men give me a tour?”
“Sure. One is a hunter and is particularly interested in seasonal changes. When do you want to leave?”
“Let's go tomorrow morning. Make it a group of five like a food gathering group.”
“OK. Tomorrow, right after the morning meal.”
“Thanks, Nevetsin.”
It then occurred to Nireem that Eteppon might enjoy some time away. He was always alert to clues others missed. The two astronauts were long-time friends, and he trusted the engineer's judgment. A quick call found him eager to go. Eteppon was glad to have a brief escape from calls to fix or make something.
During the afternoon, Enaida and Gergin had a ritual of taking a walk. They would head up the slope behind the habitat structures. At first, the effort for Gergin on his crutches was very tiring. But it had helped condition him; soon, they could easily reach the woods.
Each time, they had wandered farther off the well-worn trail. Through sunny open spots separated by stretches of dense undercover, the two had found a sheltered glen where they could be alone undisturbed.
The relationship between Enaida and Gergin had grown over the years despite the professional appearances demanded by their occupation. Now, their love for each other had reached a new level. These private moments of shared passionate feelings and intimacy were vital to their life. This afternoon was no different.
Lying in his arms, Enaida observed, “On Tridon, when a couple wants to start a family, there was a formal procedure to get approval and be designated a family unit. What do you think it will be here?”
“I don’t know. Do you think something like that is necessary?”
“I do. It's essential to show the community a couple has made a long-term commitment. And it's a way for the couple to celebrate their relationship.“
She was lying so close he could feel her heart beating and the gentle warmth of her breath. He felt overcome by the emotion of his love for her. He lay there caressing and kissing her for some time.
“I think that means you would like to start a family,” Gergin smiled.
“You think right,“ she whispered softly, looking into his eyes.
“I would like nothing better than that. I can’t imagine living without you,” he replied, holding her tight. They lay quietly in their mutual embrace.
“I need to get back for the Council Meeting,” she finally said, pulling away.
On the way back, Gergin thought about what Enaida had asked. He realized their colony's future depended on families. Currently, the colonists lived in the habitat assigned to them. But, there had to be some procedure that designated a couple as a family unit.
Families were critical to their future. And it was suddenly apparent that they had overlooked something crucial for the survival of their species. He decided then that he would talk to Nireem.
Later that afternoon, the bi-weekly meeting of the settlement council met. The representatives from each of the seven sleeping quarters participated. Enaida and Retepin also attended. The arrangement ensured they heard and responded to people's concerns. And it was an effective way to communicate back to everyone.
That afternoon, when the Commander walked into the meeting room, it was like past sessions. The early trio was already there; several walked in behind him, and two he knew would show up once they started.
“It's hard to believe we are entering our third week here. Let's start with your observations, concerns, and suggestions. They proceeded in numerical order – the living quarters had numbers from one to seven.
“Has anyone heard from the group on the other lander?”
“No, our radio communications are minimal. We don’t have enough electrical power to use the lander's transmitter.”
“A few of our group prefer the traditional food from the lander. Do they have to eat the local stuff?”
“We are running out of the traditional meal bars. By rationing, we are stretching the time to transition to locally sourced items. It's our reserve against a food shortage.” He knew that wasn’t a popular answer.
“Why not manufacture food here like on Tridon?”
“Does anyone know how to do that?” Nireem asked.
“Can I set up a small group to try doing it the Tridon way?”
“Sure. Our food chemist might be able to help. We may need to store food, and that's a way to do it.” Nireem tried to encourage them to try new things.
After several members brought up issues with things that didn’t work and needed fixing, Nireem mentioned he was taking a day or two to explore the surrounding area.
“Our patrols have done an excellent job exploring the country around us. Now that the settlement is functioning well, I want to see more of the local area. Retepin will stand in for me while I’m away.
That concluded the meeting.
Nalrahin left, thinking this might be just the opportunity Salguodir wanted. He couldn’t wait to share the news of Nireem's planned absence.