“We should field-test Hana’s sustainable farming idea ASAP,” said Ben over a speakerphone set up in one of Mathey College’s common rooms.
The entire CMI team, including Leo, was huddled around the device.
“The sooner the better, sir,” said Hana, sounding super confident in her new role as the team leader.
“Um, you can call me, Ben, Hana. ‘Sir’ is what people used to call my father. I’m just Ben. And since we’ll be working more closely together now… first names are fine with me… if, you know, they’re fine with you.”
Max was wondering if Ben and Hana would start going out for private Chosen One lunches, the way Max and Ben used to.
Was Max jealous? No. Of course not. Okay, maybe a little.
“We should move our base of operations to West Virginia,” suggested Ms. Kaplan. “It ranks as one of the hungriest states in America. Fourteen-point-nine percent of households in West Virginia suffer from food insecurity.”
“Why not New Mexico?” asked Max. “It’s the numberone state for hunger issues. Seventeen-point-nine percent of the population is dealing with not having enough food.”
Sometimes, Max remembered random facts like that. Usually when she didn’t have to do it for a test.
“Then there’s Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama,” she continued. “All of them are worse off than West Virginia.”
“This is not your call, Ms. Einstein,” said Ms. Kaplan dismissively. “Hana is in charge and she asked that I pick the location for our first field test.”
Max looked down at the speakerphone. Ben didn’t say a word. Yep. Her days as the Chosen One were definitely over.
“Besides, West Virginia is much closer to Princeton than any of the states mentioned by Ms. Einstein,” Ms. Kaplan continued. “We can start implementing Hana’s ideas almost immediately.”
“I, uh, agree,” said Ben. “West Virginia it is. I’ll, you know, make some phone calls.”
“I’m one step ahead of you, Benjamin,” said Ms. Kaplan. She pulled a stack of papers and folders out of her briefcase. “I’ve done some preliminary research. There are some local organizations already doing sustainable agriculture work in Central Appalachia. They’ve set up shop not far from Shepherdstown, West Virginia. A green business lender in the area received a major grant from the Department of Agriculture to enhance farm-to-fork delivery. In other words, there are existing groups and infrastructure we can work with.”
“Cool,” said Ben. “You’re in charge, Ms. Kaplan. Well, you and Hana. I’ve got to run. Some kind of meeting. Keep me posted. Send me a text or something. Thanks. Bye.”
Ben clicked off.
“West Virginia?” moaned Klaus. “Farming? I’m not sure I want to be a farmer. And Leo here isn’t built for heavy labor outdoors.”
“What Klaus says is true,” said the automaton. “Mud and manure might seriously impair my delicate circuitry.”
“Mine, too,” cracked Keeto.
“We will keep Leo out of the fields,” said Ms. Kaplan. “He can assist with logistics.”
“Thank you, Ms. Kaplan,” chirped the robot.
“Great,” said Klaus. “I’ll assist Leo with his assisting.”
“No, Klaus,” said Hana. “I want you in the field with the rest of us.”
“And by ‘field,’ you literally mean like a cornfield, right?”
“Actually,” said Hana, “until I can convince the locals to go vegan with me, we’ll probably be working in fields where they grow hay to feed livestock.”
Annika nodded. “Hay is currently West Virginia’s number one crop. Interestingly, ninety-five percent of the farms in the state are family owned. That’s the highest percentage in the US.”
“Let’s hope these families won’t mind working with us,” said Tisa.
“Are you kidding?” said Keeto. “They’re gonna love us. They might even want to adopt us all! Even Leo!”
“That would be sweet,” said Leo. “However, I have already found my forever home. With the CMI.”
“Awwww,” said Klaus. “Isn’t he cute? I programmed him to say that.” He rubbed the robot’s shiny plastic hair.
Everyone cracked up, except Max.
“We will ship out first thing tomorrow morning,” announced Ms. Kaplan. “Seven a.m. sharp.”
As the others shuffled out of the room, Max remained behind.
She was doing another thought experiment.
This one was thinking about how she couldn’t leave Princeton until she visited the Tardis House at least one more time.