The Lion of Mars

The settlers are getting tired of eating the same algae-based meals every day while they are waiting for the supply ship to arrive. Sai announces harvest duty for everyone, meaning that they will collect algae and process it to restock their toilet paper provisions. Trey is upset once again when Bell is assigned to kitchen duty instead because his shoulder is still mending.

In the kitchen, while Bell and Salty Bill are trying to come up with ideas for the next meals, the older cook reminisces about the time when all the settlements cooperated, and he could just ask neighbors for sugar or yeast.

Later, the children are watching Earth movies (or “digi-reels”) and pointing out strange terrestrial customs, like fashion styles and restaurants. They discuss the possibility of ever experiencing those things. While Bell is afraid of leaving his home and meeting new people, Vera says she wants to do more than stay in the settlement forever.

The supply ship arrives, and everyone at the base gathers to watch it land before unloading it together. They take stock of the items they’ve received, and the children find the box that is usually sent to them by Earth inhabitants.