Kelvin tried to shake off that uneasy feeling of a disturbed sleep behind him. Even though his clock indicated that he had got his usual quota of sleep, it wasn't a satisfactory beginning to his day. Lethargically going through the motions that were his morning chores, he got himself ready putting on the overall blue worker's garb. Lee was busy munching the pet food while he gave the lesser cat a shrug for making him clean up.

"You are not going to stay put, are you?" Kelvin eyed the feline with an amused expression. Lee was in a rather chatty mood; busy toppling over himself. He tried to test the waters by asking Lee to stay and slowly inched towards the door. Opened it just wide enough for him to squeeze out of it. As he turned back to check, he met Lee's pointed gaze pierce right through him. He wasn't getting away. This was proving to be more troublesome than he anticipated. He was running late and Lee did not care.

"Okay, you leave me no choice," Kelvin muttered under his breath and rummaged through Lee's shelf of toys which was the most guarded property of the house. He knew Lee hated what he was about to do but he had no choice. He managed to cause enough of a distraction to be able to put the circular bubble over Lee's head who immediately let him know he wasn't pleased. Grumpy and whiny Lee was no fun. But it was funny looking at the four-legged astronaut. This wasn't needed, but it didn't hurt.

"You better follow me. Or I will have to test out that theory that I read about, which said cats can find their way back from great distances." Lee seemed to nod.

As Kevin strolled together with his best friend towards the town center, trying to be amiable with onlookers with unreadable expressions, he saw a couple giggling and chit chatting sitting on a bench. It wasn't the most romantic of places but he could see why it was one of the most practical spots. A rectangular see through container stood near the bench. It was filled with green fluid. It has become a familiar sight these days and he was thankful for it. He couldn't bear the thought of how his father or people in his time would have navigated these same streets perpetually constrained as how Lee was, or how they managed to have social interactions. It was a good thing that sign language was still taught in schools or in homes to children.

The town center was a big circle, a bit less flamboyant than the old-timey movies in which he had seen fountains and lush grass patches carved in between concrete in intricate patterns. Some people still thronged to visit the centerpiece of the venue, which even Kelvin wished he had more time to. The home was just too comfortable. There stood the "tree" which changed all of their lives for the better.

It was just like any other normal tree except for the fact that, instead of leaves, flowers and branches, it was an array of crystalline funnel shaped receptacles branching out from tubules in a repeated interweaved nested arrangement arising from a single basal node. The view was a spectacle during the night where the whole structure would glow in a dazzling display of gold which no 'natural' tree can. This mechanical marvel was indeed what put their town on the map, drawing people for the better or for the worse; mostly worse according to the lab workers. More importantly, it does its job which is to let them breathe. The microalgae mini plants assisted a great deal as well. The work in the lab was crucial for the town. That is where most of the funding goes.

Though Kelvin hesitated to initiate conversations, the skill of observing has taught him a great deal. Sometimes micro-expressions and body language confirmed more than words ever could.

As Kelvin swiped his identity card and entered the premises, he thought he's be getting an earful for this rather indulgent adventure. But then he remembered that he was dispensable like everyone else. The work went on in spite of him, not because. He did earnestly try. One day, he would make a difference.

***

Kelvin regarded the white towers with awe. They arose from a lime green bowl-like base and extended upwards almost touching the sloped roof the greenhouse which was made out of glass. Morning sun cast a white glow to the whole structure but the temperature inside was surprisingly pleasant. The triangular slopes had parallel railings running along and perpendicular to it creating angular rectangles with two of the vertices in the same side supporting a tube light. The tower matrix extended in both sides from where Kelvin stood. Through perforations made in a conscious pattern in each of the towers, leaves of seedlings peeked out like butterflies. The overall white aesthetic was a wonderful sight, more to him than the others who were already used to the vertical farming aeroponics facility.

Several more co-workers of his, judging by the blue of the uniform were checking paperwork related to the nutrients, crossing off check lists. Doctor Johnson had explained him on Kelvin's first day. These nutrients would be supplied in a gaseous state upwards through the vertical columns with help of attached pumps as nourishment to the growing natural plants. The lab used water every efficiently giving the town folk a fighting chance.

Another team of workers from the storage team were collecting the produce, some healthy potatoes and lettuce and stacking them in a sterile packaging. These were more expensive to Kelvin's liking, but is a consistent supply compared to what folks were able to do out in the open, provided how everything was. He could be proud to be in a place which is highly funded by the town and very central to their livelihood.

But his luck was much less forgiving. The eyes around him, already apprehensive.

"Good to see you back," said Johnson, who despite people call him was not a doctor nor a degree holder. He was a bored old man who took to movies. He was into science fiction movies of the previous century. He fondly remembered watching some of them with his father.

"Are you okay?" the sound snapped back a blanked-out Kelvin.

"Yes, I am, thanks for asking," Kelvin mustered some fake confidence and settled into the team who he was supposed to be working with.

They were busy re-planting some of the grown ones. These were planted into inert material like clay or gravel. The nutrient mix was carefully laid out over it. Others already in action, moving around and being busy and it was awkward for him where to start without being a disturbance. He cleared his throat in a semi-natural manner. He saw some heads turn towards and down or back almost immediately.

Kelvin shook his head and proceeded to grab one of the plants. This was going to take some time. It was always going to be difficult for a newbie to gain reputation, especially tougher for him.

"You don't have to do it. Just watch and learn for a couple of days. You will get a hang of it," said one of the women who was remotely receptive to him. But it looked to him like that the concern was regarding the wellbeing of the plant than his obvious incompetence.

"I can do it," he tried not sound defensive and he was moderately successful in his attempt. It was way better than the last time, when his usually clumsy hands clumsier with stress messed up the nutrient mix. Nobody said anything specific, but that resulted in a self-imposed week-long break.

Lee however was having no reservations whatsoever. He strolled, snarled and slept as he pleased. He jumped up time to time swatting real butterflies from mid-air. Luckily for the lab staff, Lee was a chronic meat eater, turned off by plants so much that he wouldn't swat at them.

After a rather productive session, Kelvin was heading out for his lunch. He saw another guy somewhat older than him and somewhat built heading his general direction. This day was full of surprises. Lee to his credit, was already acting like his guardian lest the man approached closer.

"It's okay Lee," which was more of an appeal than an order. Kelvin didn't want another scene so soon.

"That's not a warm welcome, is it?" The stranger observed the angry cat walking in circles with amusement. "Has he killed before?"

"Oh, sorry about that. No, he is just hungry. He hates the bubble too." Kelvin sounded apologetic.

"Can't blame him for that. They say the air is conditioned. But this place suffocates me." The man had scars in his arms and looked like an outdoors guy.

"I saw you earlier. Have to say, it was pretty awkward if I say so myself," the man was suppressing a chuckle.

"That's a long story. I am used to it. I am okay with it," which was more to himself than to the inquisitive man.

Passer by workers cast the both confused looks and there were low murmurs.

"Your hands..." Kelvin started.

"That's nothing," the tone was filled with assurance.

"Haven't seen you before. You must be new too. You know this place is cool, all things are considered. The farming is so high-tech." Judging by the man's indifference to the topic, he swerved. "It glows gold during the night. It's awesome to see."

"Oh, I know," the man said dismissively.

"I'm Kelvin by the way," the man shook his hands, "Max."

"I wish I could see the crystals in close quarters, it's amazing how they work. I only heard accounts about them. It's like it takes our science forward fifty years. Almost like the old days..."

What a nerd

"I have seen people go in and out of there. You just wait when they swipe their card, sneak up behind them and get in before the door closes itself." Max said it as a matter-of-fact.

"We are not supposed to tailgate," The tone was hushed.

"Are you for real?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing." Max seems to have given up.

Both of them were seated in the dining place. Max seemed to be more intent on talking about what Kelvin considered to be mundane things, but he tried his best to keep up the pace, in walk and in talk. Kelvin didn't have to do talk much as Max talked for the both of them.

"How do you guys wear that thing around. It's so hot outside. I'd like to be a bit free you know," Max had already started eating.

"Isn't that a bit embarrassing... What if, people... women... look at you?"

"I look at them, genius," Max avoided choking from the food.

"You are fun," Kelvin had to admit it.

"Who's stopping you?" Kelvin not expecting a return question.

An awkward silence ensured for some time when both of them savoured their meal. Max finished the meal first, went to the wash and came back. He took his chair again, waiting for Kelvin to do the same.

"You know what's funny, those plants at the lab, they are just like me in a way. Flailing about mid-air with no anchor... Sorry if it's too much," Kelvin with free time was a recipe for disaster.

"I mean, it's good to be out there you know, who cares where your roots are. We all need some flailing about."

"Damn, you can speak," Kelvin admitted.

"I do too much of it."

"Are you really alright?" Kelvin noticed the bandages on Max's arms.

"I am. I got go, when you get time from your busy schedule, I'll show you around. We also got some tech," There was sarcasm in the tone.

"Why not?" Kelvin couldn't believe he was considering the offer.

"Bring the pocket tiger along. He will get friends for you."

They both observed the cat doing cat things outside.

Saying that he got zapped for stealing the crystals was going to ruin the first impression.

***