“It’s nice to see your face once in a while, you know. We all thought the Concrete swallowed you whole!” laughed Stowik’s mom, Ellis.
Stowik shrugged and failed to conceal a small smile. It was nice to feel needed. More than a droe had passed since he joined his family at the mess hall. The mess hall was located directly in the center of Block Two, a large room dotted with plastic tables surrounded by undulating walls. Nested in these walls were eight doors, each of which led to a different section of the Block. The icy ceiling hung low over the Alpha Indianites’ heads as fifty-one bodies sat eating. They didn’t come close to filling the space; the mess hall was large enough to seat hundreds.
“How did the Tribunal go?” Ellis asked.
“Could have been better,” Stowik said.
“Could have been a lot worse,” chimed in Rockhead. He had one hand on his spoon and the other on Sartis’ knee.
“What are you guys trying to find outside Alpha anyways?” asked Tom.
Rockhead finished chewing with a large gulp before he answered, “Our aquifer was fed by ground ethane. We can’t jump-start that again, but if we find a perennial ethane lake, we can divert it to our aquifer. I’m mapping out the lakes in the area and measuring the recharge over time. That’s why it’s important that we do this over a period of many droes.” Sartis gave him a quick peck on the cheek, clearly proud of Rockhead’s hard work. Stowik looked away.
Tom nodded, “Sounds good, son.”
Rockhead added slowly, “No candidates yet, but it’s only a matter of time.”
“How did you plan on diverting the flow?” Ellis wondered out loud.
“The hoppers can transport equipment over the rim crest. Plus, they can fly in tandem when the extra lift is needed,” Stowik answered. Rockhead looked up nervously.
“What?!” demanded Sartis, “You mean to tell me you two were planning on carrying loads between the hoppers?” Stowik nodded immediately and Rockhead shot him a glare.
“We’re just planning for all contingencies, Sartis—” Rockhead began before Sartis cut him off.
“Honestly, I see why your brother calls you a rockhead.”
“You’ve got it all wrong—it’s because someone with my intellect is as rare as a rock on Titan’s surface,” joked Rockhead to ease the tension. Stowik choked on his food as Sartis rolled her eyes. Rockhead ignored them both, “Anyway, flying in tandem isn’t even on the table yet. Right now we’re just worried about finding candidate reservoirs,” defended Rockhead confidently. Calmed by Rockhead’s reassurances, Sartis gave him another dazzling smile and an affectionate squeeze on the arm.
The group ate in silence for a few moments. Sartis subtly nudged Rockhead. The only one to notice was Stowik, who looked on curiously.
Rockhead coughed and made eye contact with both of his parents and Stowik.
“Sartis and I are going to couple,” Rockhead said confidently, without preamble. Ellis stopped eating. Tom put his spoon down. Rockhead and Sartis waited on nervously while Stowik continued munching away, trepidatious. When did this happen? If he thinks this means less time in the hoppers he’s got another thing coming. Am I about to lose my best friend?
“Son…” began Tom, caught off guard but smiling.
“Congratulations!” Ellis yelled, throwing herself across the table to hug Rockhead and Sartis. Her maneuver sent her food flying everywhere. Tom was behind Rockhead now, giving him a pat on the back.
“Couldn’t have picked better,” Tom said to Rockhead as he gave Sartis an exaggerated wink.
“And what about you, Stowik?” Ellis said loud enough for the whole group hear, “It’s about time you ought to be thinking about coupling, too.”
All eyes were on Stowik now as he fidgeted uncomfortably under their gaze. “I have time yet,” he replied. There weren’t too many options for Stowik, and he wasn’t particularly fond of any of the women his age.
“What about Rable? She’s cute,” suggested Sartis. Ellis nodded in agreement. Stowik made a face. Rable?
“She’s great, but I’m not concerned right now with coupling,” Stowik replied haughtily. Ellis and Tom exchanged looks.
“You should seriously consider it,” Ellis said gravely. “I mean it.”
Stowik looked up. “What are you saying?”
“There are fifty one of us, dear. You’re already twenty-five. We can’t afford to let a healthy man like yourself go to waste,” said Ellis. Go to waste? “We’ve talked to the Elders and they also think it’s a good idea,” continued Ellis gently.
“What? You’re arranging this without my consent? Coupling is the last thing on my mind right now!” growled Stowik.
“Think about the future of Alpha India!” Ellis whispered urgently, hoping others in the mess hall couldn’t overhear their conversation. This is sick. They are insane. Stowik tossed up his hands and left the table. I don’t have time for this. Rockhead’s hopper needs pre-flight maintenance.
“You,” Stowik pointed at Rockhead. “We’ve got another sortie tomorrow past the Eastern rim crest. Let’s go over it, okay? In the Concrete after dinner. Best the cold,” he said dismissively. Stowik didn’t wait for Rockhead to respond as he swiftly left the mess hall.
Ellis shrugged and the group finished their meal, their joy returning for Rockhead and Sartis.