Before departing to the plantation, Richard called Lisa through the radio and asked if she could come.

"I’m sorry brother...maybe next time. The task you just gave to me is quite demanding. I’m currently coordinating with the local officials and community leaders to manage their concerns about our recent activities."

"I understand, Lisa. Keep up the good work," Richard replied, acknowledging the importance of her task.

After the brief call, Richard turned to Sara, who was waiting for him. "Let’s head to the plantation."

"Your little sister could have come if you hadn’t given her a task," Sara giggled.

"Well, if Mark’s report came first, I wouldn’t have given her a task like that," Richard replied with a half-smile, acknowledging the timing of events.

They made their way towards the VH-60N, a helicopter designated for their transport to the plantation.

As they approached the helicopter, Richard briefly checked his phone for any updates from the command center. Everything seemed under control, with no new developments on Lin Feng’s whereabouts or activities. He pocketed the device, deciding to focus on the task ahead.

Sara, noticing his constant vigilance, placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "It’s okay to take a step back sometimes, Richard. The team is capable, and we have all the communication tools we need."

"You’re right," Richard conceded as they boarded the helicopter. The rotors started spinning, creating a gust of wind that swept around them. They strapped themselves in, and the helicopter lifted off, heading towards the plantation.

During the flight, Richard’s mind occasionally drifted back to the command center and the ongoing operations. Sara engaged him in light conversation, attempting to ease his mind and bring his focus to their current mission.

The flight to the plantation was short, and soon they were descending onto a cleared area near the fields. As they disembarked, they were greeted by the plantation manager and a few staff members.

As they walked through the rows of crops, the plantation manager, Mr. Alvarez, began to explain the workings of the plantation.

"You see, Mr. Richard, we’ve implemented a mix of traditional farming techniques and modern technology to increase our yield," Mr. Alvarez said, gesturing towards the fields.

Richard, his curiosity piqued, asked, "What kind of modern technology are we talking about?"

Mr. Alvarez smiled, pleased with the question. "We’re using drip irrigation systems which conserve water and ensure that it reaches the roots more effectively. We’ve also introduced soil sensors that help us monitor moisture and nutrient levels. This way, we can optimize our fertilization strategy."

"That sounds efficient. Are we using any sustainable practices for pest control?" Richard inquired further, looking closely at the healthy plants.

"Absolutely," Mr. Alvarez replied. "We’ve been experimenting with integrated pest management. It’s a method that uses natural predators of pests and reduces our reliance on chemical pesticides."

"What plants are we growing here, exactly?" Richard asked, gesturing towards the expansive fields stretching out before them.

"We have a variety of crops," Mr. Alvarez explained. "Primarily, we’re focusing on staples like rice and corn, given their significance in the local diet. We’ve also allocated sections for high-yield vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and leafy greens. Plus, there’s a section for fruits, including bananas and papayas."

"How about watermelon?" Richard asked. "I’m craving for one. Is it possible that we can grow it here in the Philippines?"

Mr. Alvarez’s face lit up with enthusiasm at Richard’s question. "Absolutely, watermelons can thrive here in the Philippines. In fact, we have a dedicated section for melons, including watermelons. They require specific conditions, but we’ve managed to create an ideal environment for them."

"It’s good news then," Richard exclaimed, rubbing his hands together enthusiastically. "Okay, when can we expect them to grow...like you know...available to eat?"

Mr. Alvarez chuckled at Richard’s eagerness. "Well, watermelon typically takes about 65 to 90 days to reach harvest from the time of planting, depending on the variety."

"But since you just planted them, I’ll have to wait two to three months to taste them, right?" Richard finished the sentence, a hint of mock disappointment in his voice.

"That’s correct, sir," Mr. Alvarez replied.

Richard sighed. "Well, that can’t be helped then." He glanced at Sara, giving him an amused smile.

"You sure want that watermelon huh?"

"It’s been so long since I ate watermelon since the zombie apocalypse," Richard shrugged, his tone light. "I guess it’s the little things you start to miss in times like these."

Sara nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean. It’s not just about the food, it’s about the sense of normalcy it brings."

Richard flickered his gaze back to Alvarez. "But you ensure that our main crop is rice right? You know how important rice is in our local diet. It’s a staple that we can’t afford to run short on."

"Absolutely, Mr. Richard," Mr. Alvarez responded earnestly. "Rice cultivation is our top priority. We have dedicated the largest section of our plantation to it. We’re using high-yield varieties and employing methods to maximize production while conserving resources."

"That’s good to hear," Richard said with a nod. "And about the storage and distribution of these crops? How are we handling that?"

"We have built storage facilities that are designed to keep the produce fresh for as long as possible," Mr. Alvarez explained. "As for distribution, we have a system in place to ensure that the crops reach our immediate community. And of course, should there be an influx of survivors coming.

Richard looked satisfied with the answer. "Keep up the good work, Mr. Alvarez."

He checked the time on his wrist, and there he found he had been on the plantation for about an hour. Time sure flies fast when they are discussing something as vital as food security. "We should head back to the command center. There’s still a lot to do," Richard said, turning to Sara.

But Sara was already on her radio, her face visibly serious. "What do you mean you got a hit? You found Lin Feng?"

Richard’s expression turned serious as well as he heard those words from Sara.

Sara looked at Richard’s eye and gave him a nod that indicated confirmation.

"Looks like we really are heading back to the command center," Richard said.