Sam liked weeding better than cleaning out compost bins, but he still felt grubby and achy at the end of the day. He wanted a shower and maybe a nap, but he needed to see Mrs. Jackson and find out if private gardens played any role in emergency plans for the greenhouses.

He scowled as he scrubbed his hands and silently rehearsed ways to start the conversation.

“Are you OK?” Li asked him. “I’m sorry there wasn’t enough work with the bots to keep both of us busy today.”

“Oh, I was fine weeding. I just need to see Mrs. Jackson.”

“Why do you need to see her if you’re finished with your work for today?”

“I wanted to talk about the greenhouses’ emergency protocols.”

“Why?”