Donald of Mars: Chapter 75, Li Talks Pigs

A story on building a new colony on Mars and what it will take to live there

Li’s voice filled the room as soon as the camera shut down. “I got it straightened out. Even paid your deposit to your account. Most of the supplies you ordered are being delivered as we speak.”

Donald’s head snapped up in surprise at the grinning Li. He hadn’t noticed the tiny woman’s arrival. Her grin was infectious, and he smiled back. “You look chipper. Aren’t you supposed to still be at work?”

The grin on her face grew wider. “Six near perfect piglets. They still have a higher cartridge to bone ratio than they would be born with on earth. But it is by far the best batch we ever got.”

“Mars conceived or embryos from earth?” asked Miray, setting down her own weight, her voice serious.

She would not touch pork, and her sudden interest surprised Donald.

“Inseminated here, with sperm that came up on the last batch. Mother came up then too, and has had two batches on earth by the same father,” Li bubbled with enthusiasm. “Part of my work will be contrasting their development with their sibs on earth. But it’s looking good.”

Miray sighed. “I hope it works out.”

Li smiled at her. “I doubt it will be more than a few months before Chi gives you her okay, no matter how this works out. They are getting close over there for human trials.”

So that explained Miray’s interest in the pigs.