"The sun on the prairie is very hot, and the climate's quite dry. That's normal, but for our food crops, we need more water and a bit of protection from the heat. So we planted them under the solar farm. The arrays turn to follow the sun, so they provide just enough shade to keep the plants healthy. Extensive use of mulching and a drip irrigation system do the rest." She points to the flat roofs of the buildings. "We were going to use geodesic buildings, but decided that the added use we could get out of the flat roofs was worth more. Under the solar arrays there, we also have cultivated crops and flowers."
A breeze ruffles your hair. "We decided against wind power because it's slightly more expensive, and poses a risk to flighted wildlife. Out here, the sun is consistant enough that with backup battery power we don't need any additional supplementary power sources."
She laughs suddenly. "You know, I completely forgot to introduce myself! I'm Rita Kavandash, head of xenozoology here at the compound." She parks the hovercraft beneath a steel carport just inside the gates. "Oh, the fences keep out the larger migratory grazers."
Head of xenozoology? This lady's position must be one of the highest in the program, you think to yourself. You survey the clean, neat buildings, when suddenly something zips past your head...
You turn to get a better look at it, startled...