Editor Note: 
     Though the 4^th story in the series, this is actually the 3^rd part of the book I wrote. 
     It takes up where "Whadawedonow" leaves off, and continues the story of the colonists, and their advances in the sciences. 
     It also introduces a new character in the book!  One who is very important to the colonists, and, eventually, to all of mankind.

Wed, May 5, 0008 - Science Lab:
     It has been a while since I visited the labs, where research is being conducted, so I need to come up to speed on what is going on there.
     Walking into the Science area of the lab, once again I am awed.  The lab is huge, and is filled to overflowing with ‘stuff’. 
     It was decided to place all the chemistry, science, and physics equipment and personnel in one lab so that they could learn from each other.  On a colony world, there is no place for a prima donna of any type, and all must teach all others. 
     The areas are sufficiently shielded from each other that should something go wrong in one area, the other areas will be protected, and can continue to operate.
     I’m an engineer, and even I don’t know what half the equipment is in many areas of these labs anymore! 
     As I enter the science area, Dr. Razztun sees me and walks towards me.
     “Hi Doc.  Well, what surprises do you have for me today!”
     “Hi Jimmy.”
     “Nothing much today, but we are making progress on the teleporter.  Some of these kids you’ve sent me are nothing short of amazing.  I don’t know how they’ve picked up these disciplines so quickly, or where they’re getting their ideas from, but they are the ones making the real breakthroughs here.  I feel like I’m but a student under their teachings.  I’m learning more from them than they are from me.”
........................

     “We have been, and I caution, PARTIALLY successful in teleporting a very few organic, and mixed organic and non-organic items.  We are still a LONG way from being able to send a live animal, or person, through the teleporter.  But there is hope that we will be able to in the near future.”
     “And I thought you said you had nothing much new for me today Jackson!!
.......................

     Dr. Razztun walks over to a bench where a red haired young man is working with equipment I had not seen before. 
     “Commander, I would like you to meet one of my students.  His name is Max Yukkon.  He came to me on the recommendations of one of his teachers.  This young man shows insights and knowledge far beyond his 22 years of life.  His intuitive gifts are simply beyond belief.  When we hit .............

     Doc smiles because he is genuinely proud of the young man.
     “Max, meet Commander Jimmy Eagleton”
     Smiling, Max comes and greets Jimmy.  “Hi Commander Eagleton.  I’ve heard a great deal about you.  It is a privilege to finally get to meet you.”  Then, with a serious look on his face, “I know it is rather unorthodox, but I wonder if I could talk with you in private sometime.”
     “Why of course you can Mr. Yukkon!  I have an open door policy to all people.  I just ask that you make the appointment through my Secretary, Lt. Cmdr Jonie Goodhart.  I will be happy to see you at any time.”
     Max, smiling once again, says “Thank you, Cmdr Eagleton.  And please, just call me Max.  We will be seeing a lot of each other.”
....................

     And that little itch at the back of my brain just started itching again!!  Somehow, I know that Max is going to be important to all of us.  Don’t ask me how I know, because I can’t tell you, but I DO KNOW!” ...................

Botany Lab:
     Continuing my rounds of the labs, I come to the agricultural research labs.  Actually 3 labs, side by side, but each enclosed by an energy field that stops biological transfers into and out of each area. 
     In one lab, we grow terrestrial specimens. 
     In the 3rd lab we grow local specimens. 
     In the middle area, we carefully grow mixed crops, to determine if they are compatible, or dangerous to each other. 
     We are determined to prevent the types of ecological disasters that occurred on the first 2 extraterrestrial colonized planets when they started planting Earth crops in their local ecosystems..............................

     I start in lab 3, where the local varieties of crop plants are being cultivated.  Doctors Herb and Dawn Lander are in charge of the Agricultural labs. 
     They are our planetology experts, and also the family that presented WDWDN with it’s first native born citizen, now 8 years old, Sunny Terra Lander!  She is the darling of the colony, known by everyone!  And one of the smartest kids on the planet!! 
     Already working with her parents and others in these labs, she seems to have a sixth sense about what earth plants are compatible with the local ecology.
     Sunny, accompanied by mom Dawn, meet me as I enter.  Sunny runs up and gives me a big hug.  “Hi Cmdr Eagleton!!  Wow, so much is going on!!  Isn’t it just wonderful!!”
     Giving her a hug back, I ask “Hi Sunny!  Isn’t what wonderful?”
 “Why all the things that we have found that will grow together, and then the things that we know won’t grow in harmony!!  And the soil here is SO fertile, just everything we plant in it grows so wonderfully fast!!  And the flowers are so pretty, and there are just so many of them. 
     And the beautiful insects and worms, and butterflys, and, and..........”
     “Whoa Sunny!!  I gather that you really like our new home!”
     “Yep, it’s just so wonderful!!  And ".........................

     I look at Dawn, and Herb has walked in by now, and has heard the conversation.  Dawn just shrugs, and smiles, and Herb looks...... well, pleased!!  I’m not quite sure, but I think he understands some of what is happening on WDWDN.  I only wish I did........
     I suddenly have the hair on the back of my head waving big checkered flags, as I’m beginning to think that I may know what is going on.  It’s not fear I feel, but, maybe the best description is, wonder!
     Herb, still with that smile of understanding, and pride of his little girl, greets me.
     “Hi Jimmy, what brings you to our little section of the world!” .........................

Tues, March 33, 0009
Teleporter Experiments Log: Encrypted:
 Dr. Jackson Razztun:
10AM
      We are ready to try sending a living plant through the teleporter. Modifications  to the equipment have been made both here and aboard Gambler.  We have had great success in teleporting all organic compounds so far today.  Now, it is time to try sending a plant through.
      A miniature rose bush in full bloom from our botany lab has been chosen for the first attempt.  It has been scanned holographically, for comparison after the teleport attempt.  In addition, DNA profiles have been made.  If there are any major problems, it is felt that they will show in the bloom colors first.
  Max is in the lab, and I will be aboard Gambler to observe.  We have a full holographic video communications link set up between us.
  For security reasons, I am the only researcher in the teleporter area aboard Gambler, and Max is the only one in the lab on WDWDN.  IF successful, it must be kept secret.
   End log entry
 “Max, are you ready to try sending the rose yet?”
 “Yes Dr. Razztun.  Let me know when you’re ready”
 “Go ahead Max.”
 “OK, here goes nothing!”  With that, Max presses a switch that activates the teleporter............................

     Author:  There is much, MUCH more in this story. 

     This is the last story in the book, but a sequel is already being worked on.
     If you have enjoyed these samples, please tell everyone you know to check in here, and pass on the info to your sci-fi user groups and blogs.
     Thank you for reading this far.

Jorge

END OF EXCERPTS