“Well, it was, but we have had issues with the nuclear fallout clouds blocking the sun. We lost many crops. The wind power proved a little more fruitful. But it was the Drastan technology with a reusable energy that has already tripled output.”
Faith couldn’t help but look at Logan with admiration. “It’s fortunate that the Drastans came when they did for all of us.”
Was he blushing? Now that was adorable.
“It is,” Mary agreed. “The orchards are over here.”
She turned in the direction that Mary had pointed. Rows and rows of fruit trees lined an area as big as a football field.
“This is enormous. How much water does this farming place use?” Faith had gone without fresh water for a long time. To think that the domes could have a supply of water to provide for the farming needs was incredible.
“We attempted our own reusable water just for the farms, but again, we had limitations.”
Logan spoke up. “Our engineers could upgrade their system. The entire dome can filter and reuse their water supply indefinitely.”
“Really?” Faith asked, impressed even more.
“We have also done similar things for those living in the subway system when they allowed us to.”
Faith took the hint. His people would share their technology with everyone on Earth. All it took was a little trust and willingness on both sides. Then something occurred to her.
“What if I asked for help for my people?”
“I would do anything for you,” he answered immediately. “But my people are committed to helping all of Earth’s people survive.”
The only thought she had at that moment was overwhelming.I love him. I am in love with Logan Coor, captain of the Drastan Empire.
He touched her face with gentle fingers. She shivered, but it wasn’t from a chill in the air but from the warmth of his skin and the sudden awareness of her feelings for him.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine.”
“Shall we continue to the park?”
“Park?” Faith asked, pulling away from Logan.
“It’s the closest we have to a park, considering we are underground. It’s on the opposite end of the farm.”
A park? That could be anything from a slightly bigger courtyard to… Her thoughts trailed off at what lay ahead of her. It was a fucking park! With trees, flowers, picnic tables, swings, and even birds chirping. She glanced up at the domed ceiling.
“Sky?”
Logan looked up and frowned. “It’s not real.”
Mary laughed. “It’s not real, but it looks real, doesn’t it? The art department painted the backdrop, and we use special timing and colored lights to reflect the sun rising and setting. It should be setting soon. We have a picnic set up for you over this way.”
“A picnic?” Faith was in awe. When they came to a checkered blanket on the ground under a beautiful cherry tree, she broke into tears.
“You are upset. We can leave,” Logan offered.
She waved his concern away. “These are happy tears. I’m serious. I haven’t been on a picnic since I was a little girl with my parents and my brother. I never thought I would see this much green or flowers or sky ever again.”
“It’s a fake sky,” he reminded her.
“I don’t care. It looks real.” A light breeze cooled her skin. “It feels real.”
“We have hidden fans that circulate the air. We set your picnic on the ground, but there is an available picnic table, if you prefer. Once the sun sets, the park closes, but we have a surprise in your honor, Captain. The park will be yours for as long as you like.”
