“I’d like to think about it for a while before we talk about it. Maybe you can help by answering a question.” He nodded and said he’d try. “Do you know if anyone has claimed this land to the north and west? It has a stand of trees that stretches down to Mom and Dad’s house.”

“That’s not been claimed by anyone. It’s good soil, like the rest of this area. A small group of unowned bokan go through there on a trail they’ve created. Sometimes in the fall, the herd grazes there for several weeks.”

“That means it’s been fertilized. Plants would grow well there."

“Syp, working the soil is heavy labor. I don’t know how well a Stafriez would do at that. What would it do to your body?”

“Good point. When you’re planning to do something, and you’re gathering information, how do you keep track of your research and options?”

“I have an application on my electronic pad that I use. Let me show you.” They retrieved their devices and sat down at the table. He showed it what he used. Syp noted the name of it.

“Thank you. How about one for tracking finances?”

“There’s one for that too.” Syp made another note.

When Syp asked whether Siedeske had used a rooting aid in her gardening, Eiske led Syp to the shed where the garden tools were kept. “Help yourself.”

Syp took out the pile of tools and laid them on the shed floor in a row. After examining them, Syp hung the long tools on the hooks clearly intended for them and laid the smaller ones in a row on the shelf. After some searching, it located a rooting aid, buckets and a hand spade. Further over in the shed, behind the collection baskets for eggs, Syp found a miniature solar greenhouse and a growing light.

“This is perfect!” Syp carried everything into Eiske's house, and after asking, began to work by the back door. She filled the small bags with dirt as Minnie had directed.

“How’s it going, Syp?” Eiske asked.

“It’s finished. I hope you don’t mind that I'm using Siedeske’s greenhouse.and growing light.”

“I don’t mind at all. Let’s set that up in the second sleeping room, then we can walk the perimeter of the property.”

They walked in silence. “It’s still way too cold to plant. Five more months I’d say. Tomorrow I’ll start checking over the machinery.”

"Already?"

"Yes, if repairs need to be made, I'll have to order parts. Sometimes it takes months."

"Eiske, if you went off to become a doctor, why are you raising grain crops?”

“I have to eat something.”

“Do people pay you for helping them?”

“Yes.”

“You couldn’t farm when you were in the city.”

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“No, there wasn’t time. I had patients all day. By the evening meal, I was exhausted.”

“Was it worth the time to go to medical school?”

“Yes. It’s very satisfying to help people, particularly young people. They have a good portion of their lives ahead of them.”

As they neared the house, Syp’s said, “You have company. It’s my dad.”

Eiske sighed. “Please go inside.”

Haerm stood waiting for Eiske. “Hello. I wonder if I might have a word with you.”

“What can I do for you, Haerm?”

“You can send Syp on her way. You can tell her to dress like a girl. And you can stop talking to people about Geldou.”

“Excuse me?”

“I hear that you told Tysske Jelsma and Jensjke Brower that Geldou was sick, that she had removed money illegally from one of the boys’ student accounts, and that she was seeing Sibolt Mulder on the sly.”

“That’s very interesting, Haerm. Tysske asked how Geldou was, and I suggested that she talk to Geldou. You know that doctors are expected to keep their patients’ confidences.” Eiske studied his brother-in-law. “I told Tysske that I’m not in the habit of discussing other people’s activities. You and I both know that there is always someone around who loves to gossip. I don’t know who has told you such bullshit, but I would suggest that you consider the source.”

“Your name came up, which leads me to believe that you opened your big mouth.” Eiske felt his gut tighten. He didn’t respond. “What are you doing this afternoon?”

“I was just getting ready to check over the equipment for spring planting.”

“Why do you waste your time?”

“Waste my time? Haerm, I have to be able to eat. Thankfully, Grandpa left me his equipment. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to survive."

“Don't lie to me! People pay you for medical treatment. You have a steady income.”

Eiske laughed. “You are greatly mistaken. I average four patients five days a week. I would love to have a steady income treating medical patients.”

“Go back to the city,” Haerm said. The tone in his voice made Eiske nervous.

Eiske tapped a button on his shirt as he thought about his response. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“You need to leave. Go back to the city. Take Syp with you."

“Why?”

“Word has it that Syp tried to get Gylbert Westra killed. I don’t need that on my conscience!”

“You are not responsible for Syp. You made that clear. I thought that Syp was not to be spoken about.”

“You’re allowing Syp to stay here! She needs to go on her way. If you don’t stop helping her, you’ll be sorry.”

“You make decisions about what happens on your property and in your household. I make the decisions about what happens at this facility and in my household. Syp has asked for sanctuary and the Protectorate officials have granted it. Syp will stay as long as it needs to.”

“You son-of-a–bitch! You have no business helping her. She needs to die! If you don’t quit helping her, you will too! You’re putting your nose where it doesn’t belong.”

“It’s time for you to leave, Haerm.” Haerm stepped toward him. “Go home.” Eiske backed away.

Haerm put his fists up. He growled menacingly, “If you intend to protect that child, then it’s time for you to leave the area.”

“Syp has asked for sanctuary and the Protectorate officials have granted it,” Eiske repeated. "Syp will stay as long as it needs to. Go, Haerm. Go before other people become involved in this situation.” Eiske retreated several meters.

“There’s no one here to protect you, Eiske. I can beat the shit out of you.”

“This is a medical post, Haerm. Violence is not allowed here.”

Haerm advanced again. Eiske touched his communicator. “Code 1.”

Instantly two security guards materialized. “You will leave the area. This interaction has been monitored and recorded. If you do not leave this medical post, you will be forcibly removed. Presently, this incident is being placed into your record and we’ll release you with a verbal warning. Should you choose to escalate the situation, you’ll be removed to the Enclave for questioning and a full investigation.”

“Who the hell do you think you are? A big hot-shot doctor who can call a bunch of punks to chase me away? I don’t think so! Send Syp on her way, or I’ll kill you! You’re going to regret that you let Syp stay here.”

The guard spoke again. “A second threat has been noted into the record. It’s time for you to leave. If you don’t comply, you will be removed to the Enclave. A second warning has been entered into your record. We aren’t allowed to give third warnings.”

Haerm turned to leave but spun back around. He shook his fist, “I’ll be back, Eiske!”

A moment later Haerm vanished.