125. Twelve Chances

Carlos reached the marked vine with Mira just behind him.

The Water-touched cucumber was larger than before, its blue lines clearer beneath the green skin. Small drops of water still clung to it even though the morning was warm.

Blue drifted above the vine, staying well away from it. Rowan handed Carlos a clean cloth.

"We harvest it now. Carefully. The fruit has done everything it can on the plant."

Carlos did not take the cloth.

"You do it."

Rowan gave him a brief look, then cut the stem cleanly.

The system panel appeared over the cucumber.

--

[Water-touched Clearwater Cucumber harvested]

[Uncommon Grade]

[Seed maturation complete]

[Water-touched Clearwater Cucumber Seeds x12 acquired]

[Trait inheritance: Potential]

[Assessment required after cultivation]

--

Tarin read the seed line twice.

"Twelve."

"Twelve seeds," Sela corrected.

"Twelve chances," Tarin said.