Ivy

Four of Wood Farm's trucks had lined up in a row.

Besides the fresh vegetables picked that day, there were more than a dozen jars of preserved vegetables prepared in advance, along with some root crops suitable for long-term storage.

The Nautilus was only docking for one day this time, and the pier was visibly busier than usual. Those in charge of purchasing and supplies ran back and forth with lists in hand.

Jamie found the purchasing manager he had contacted the day before and handed him the prepared goods list.

The man gave it a quick scan, then casually lifted the covers of several vegetable crates to inspect them.

The savoy cabbage still carried the morning dew, while the carrots and potatoes had been neatly selected. Straw had even been placed between several baskets of easily bruised vegetables.

"The price is still what we agreed on yesterday?"

"Of course."

Jamie nodded quickly. "Everything comes from our own farm. If you take it all today, we can make it a little cheaper."

The purchasing manager was clearly satisfied. They were pressed for time today, and what they feared most was merchants suddenly hiking up their prices.

"Fine. Send the preserved vegetables and the durable goods to Cargo Hold No. 2. Send the fresh vegetables straight to the Back Kitchen."

He marked a few lines on the goods list, then looked up at the several grimy helpers behind Jamie.

"They're all from your farm?"

Jamie had memorized the explanation long ago.

"Yes. There's been a lot of work in the fields lately, so we hired a few temporary hands. We didn't have enough people ourselves, so we brought them along to help carry things."

The purchasing manager had no interest in checking the backgrounds of a few Farmers one by one.