The Sea of Memory

Adele helps George, Mike, Ted, and Sy pitch a shelter along a remote shoreline.  Her work finished, she wanders off and ascends a bluff overlooking the sea. The ocean breeze tousles her auburn hair as she scans the sky for birds.

Sy joins Adele and invites her back to camp to draw lots for sleeping arrangements.  Adele declines the offer, indicating her plan to pass the nights elsewhere.  Sy cautions that the fair weather is likely to shift.  Adele and Sy reflect on the duration of their time on the planet, whether it has been ages or days. 

After Sy departs, Adele resolves to find their ship. Looking down at the beach, she watches several men erect their shelter and recalls past expeditions on which she performed the same task.  

Adele notices a second George among the workers.  She descends the cliff and is greeted by one of them.  George remarks on Adele standing watch over the water and on her background in marine ecology.  Adele recalls choosing her course of study. George and Adele trade observations about the mysteries of Earth’s seas and the alien ocean beside their encampment.