Ewondro’s family enthusiastically embraced the idea of farming in the bajos.  As part of their conversation they shared horror stories of previous attempts.  When Bette asked why they failed it began a long explanation of farming with the dos and don’ts becoming clear in their colorful stories.  The end result of hours of fun conversation was a rough outline of plausible ideas that would assist in making the growing season a successful one.  Ideas like channeling the water and using raised planting beds that could be easily maintained.  The raised beds led to discussions on how terracing sections would be organized while they cleared the swamp. 

Long after the evening Sun was exiting for the day to begin its nightly journey to the underworld, Bette and Shane were heading back to the observatory.  Bette head was swirling with so many ideas that she couldn’t later describe any details of the walk back.  Getting Ewondro and his family involved had been one of the most valuable steps forward.  Bette was beginning to feel with the right farming techniques as well as the right schedule this project could be a success.  She could see the steps forward which left her feeling so confident in this view that she wanted to met with the Al Kin Mia as soon as possible and discuss how to get started. 

Currently it was only the beginning of the highland season but if anything Bette learned today that there was a lot of preparation that went into farming.  Much needed to be done long before the first seeds went into the ground.  They needed to begin in the next month or so if they wanted to have everything ready to plant in time for when the dry hot Sun made its appearance.

The very next day after her meeting with Ewondro Bette met with the Al Kin Mia to reveal the scope of what her project would entail.  The Al Kin Mia while interested seemed skeptical that Bette could pull off a project of such scale.  To him Bette was nothing more than a very good sky watcher.  He didn’t want to discourage her, her insight to the heavens was too valuable to interrupt.  Yet the Al Kin Mia also knew that any success that Bette achieved would go directly to him.  She consistently shied away from the spotlight which allowed him to step forward.  With this thought in the back of his mind it did make him more inclined to grant her wishes.  While he liked her ideas about the farming he wanted to make sure that if she became involved in this project it would take nothing away from her primary duties.  Bette quickly agreed that she would never let any of her duties fall short.  Raising his eyebrows while considering Bette’s request, the Al Kin Mia made Bette wait for his final answer.  He knew he would grant her request the moment she reinforced her commitment not to let anything slip but he wanted to make her feel his power so he made her wait. 

Bette nervously shifted her weight from foot to foot while she waited for the Al Kin Mia’s approval.  While he considered her request Bette looked down not wanting him to see how much she wanted to do this.  Looking up she realized it was too late he already knew.  She could do nothing but wait.  Looking him in the eye she Bette acquiesced to his supremacy.

The Al Kin Mia seemed to be waiting for Bette to look him in the eye.  Seeing he had Bette’s full attention he began, “You may utilize any assistance you need to make this project work.  But I warn you I expect positive results.  Any negative events will be dealt with in the harshest of terms.  I am holding you entirely responsible.  Do you understand?”

Bette suppressed her smile not wanting him to see how much he had pleased her.  Solemnly nodding her head, Bette agreed to his terms.  Turning quickly she left his presence to hurry off to tell Shane the good news.