Post Number 17 Amazon Plants

Posted on Tue Apr 1st, 2025 @ 12:39am by Lieutenant James Smithers & Crewman Jennifer Smithers & Lieutenant Commander Kristian Long

Mission: Are You Worthy?-2
Location: Sickbay and Amandora Arboretum
Timeline: After Boarding Physicals Part 2

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Jennifer smiled at Lieutenant Commander Kristian Long. “Yes, doctor I would Love to see the Amazon Plants in your office and learn all about them. If you have time, could we see the Amazon plants that are in the Arboretum as well?”

Smithers added, “Dr Long, Jennifer and I are going to be spending a lot of time in the Arboretum because we brought plants from Earth to add to the Arboretum. I have a feeling that you have a Love of plants like we do.”

Kristian walked over to a shelf in her office and picked up one of her plants, carried over to her desk. As she moved the plant made soft tinkling sounds. Setting the plant on her desk. The leaves were a rainbow of colors. They glittered in the lights in her office. "This plant grows only on my home planet. The species name does not translate to Federation Standard. It living glass. We use the larger ones that are clear to make windows out of. The colored ones such as this one are used if we chose makes windchimes out of. My cousin put about three or four in the Arboretum. One clear, one like this one multi colored, one in yellow and the other one in green. A watering system for them has already been set up. I ask you to not adjust the watering system for them as in doing so could kill them. I keep two in here, I have two hanging ones in my quarters. Tara has several in her quarters as does Captain Rivers who is the fighter wing commander. Yes I do love my plants, but I'm a doctor first. The scientist in the family is my cousin Lieutenant Herculoid. I can answer your questions about the glass plants." Kristian said as she gently tapped one of the leaves causing the plant to again make tinkling sounds.

Jennifer was in awe of the plants and everything that Dr Long said about them. “Doctor I’ve never seen anything like these plants in my life. You can be assured that both my Dad and I would not adjust any critical settings for watering plants or anything else they need. Besides, Commodore Song said that the settings in the Arboretum were on automatic. I have a few questions about the Amazon plants. What should we call them. Also, I’m wondering if the leaves are as hard as actual glass, or it varies per plant. I imagine they have special needs for water, air, and nutrients. We brought plants from Earth to add to the Arboretum so they will need a special setup for them as well.”

Smithers looked at the plant in wonder. Of course, he realized that plants from different planets would look and act differently than ones from Earth. Some can even look innocent but be dangerous. He glanced at Jennifer and then added, “Dr Long as a Biologist I’m intrigued. Are these rare or common plants on your planet. Over 600 years ago early pioneers on Earth mined a thin but tough mineral called Mica. They used it for windows too because of how clear they were. Grainger could tell you more about that. I don’t know how much you can tell me but are they carbon based plants or something else. As I’m sure you know, the Federation has a lot of ways to make glass or other materials. So, I imagine using these plants leaves for windows must have a special meaning for you and others from your planet. The chiming sound is very pleasant so I can see why you brought some from home. As for Lieutenant Herculoid we will be getting to know her since she will be working in the Science Department like we are.”

"The leaves are not hard or sharp, they are stiff and somewhat soft. They grow in areas on the planet mostly in the warmer climates. They are sub tropical. They are harvested for glass when or if we need glass. They are not carbon based as far as I know but I'm not the scientist that's my cousin. They prefer a sandy loam type of soil. I know nothing about mica. I've never heard of it. These plants are small, they grow to be ten to fifteen feet high and the leaves easily reach up to twenty feet or larger. They are highly protected as we do not permit anyone to remove them from the planet or dig them up. Anyone caught doing so without permission from the King and Queen will result in some punishment. Usually jail time and there are signs stating this," Kristian said as a little curly brown haired child ran into Kristian's office and hopped up on her lap. she tapped the plant making it tinkle. "This is Amber, her mother is the fighter wing commander."

Jennifer gave a little wave and a smile to Amber, “Hi Amber my name is Jennifer. You’re such a cute little girl. How old are you? We were talking about your mother a little while ago with Commodore Song. This is my Dad, Smithers next to me. Do you have other kids to play with?”

Smithers looked at the little girl and smiled as well. “Doctor this little one just came out of nowhere. Does she do that a lot? No need to be concerned about mica it was just an example of what people on Earth a long time ago used for glass. Some of the plants we brought from Earth for the Arboretum come from a Sub Tropical environment. The other group of plants come from my home on Earth in the Northern Colder area of the planet. Thanks for your description of the plants from your home planet. My Daughter does a Blog that she shares with her family and friends. Would it be ok for Jennifer to takes photos of the Amazon Plants in the Arboretum and share them through her blog?”

Jennifer gave Smithers a look, “Dad I was supposed to ask that. Doctor, do you have time to show us your plants in the Arboretum?”

Kristian nodded "She'll show up if Alesha is busy or she tires of the holographic baby sitter. Sick bay is okay for her as long as I'm not busy. She'll sit and color for hours. Amber tell them how old you are and remember to speak in English."

"I five," Amber said hopping off Kristian's lap. "I go color," with that she headed to the rear of Kristian's office, pulled out a small box opened it and removed paper, crayons and colored pencils, laid on the floor and began to color.

"To answer your questions there are a few kids aboard, the first officer and his wife have two, one about her age, they've not had a chance to meet up yet. The commodore has two but they're on the star base with her husband. The commodore's kids are thirteen and sixteen. I do have time to show you the Arboretum and I am curious as to why you were talking about Alesha? It's unusual that she comes up with new officers," Kristian said as she reverted to the Amazon language letting Amber know she was going to be out of the office for a time. Reverting back to standard "I'm good to go and I have no problem if you mention our planet's native plants as long as it's stressed that they are not available."

Smithers made a note to learn more about Dr Long. He was curious as to why the doctor felt that she needed to switch back and forth from her language with Amber. It’s good to learn more than one language though. Also, her planet is a mystery. He wondered what kind of life there is, since it appears that the plants may not be carbon based. I’m sure that Jennifer will study both. I have a feeling that Amber might warm up to her.

Jennifer spoke up. “Dr long it looks like Amber is used to being on her own. Not unusual for a Starship. After we check out the plants my dad and I will probably get something to eat and rest in our quarters. It’s probably going to be a long day tomorrow. Not to worry Dr Long I will make it clear that the Amazon plants are not available for anyone to take. The same goes for me. Taking photos and admiring them is all I plan on doing.” Looking at Smithers she could see the wheels spinning in his eyes. That usually happens when he is curious or interested in something.

Smithers stood up and said, “Sounds good doctor, please lead the way to the arboretum.” As they headed to the arboretum he said, “The three of us had a long talk with Commodore Song. Part of the reason is that we came here in my Runabout the USS Marquette. The Commodore spoke about her family just like you did and when Alesha came up, I expressed an interest in meeting her and checking out these ships’ fighters. Grainger, my son Lewis, and I refitted our Runabout and I’m a good pilot as well. So, I’m planning on meeting Alesha in the future as my duties allow. I’m sure our Chief Science Officer, Tara, and my daughter’s arboretum project will keep me busy.”

Kristian had seen the puzzled look when she'd reverted to her native language to talk to Amber "I saw your confusion when I reverted to my native language to talk to Amber. Her English is coming along. I cannot go into a lot of details but what I can say is Alesha just got custody of Amber from her ex-husband. It's a very long story and one she's not going to want to talk about. The fighters are Alesha's command. She'll show them to you but I highly doubt your qualified to fly one of them. Alesha has her own personal fighter." They arrived at the Arboretum a short time later. , butterflies and moths of various colors
Walking in they were met with small birds of different species, butterflies and moths of different colors. A small waterfall was off in one corner that emptied into a small pond where some colorful fish swam. There were various small trees and plants. A few benches could be seen where people could sit and relax and watch the birds, butterflies and moths as they darted from one flower to another. "This is the ship's Arboretum. I'm sure the commodore told you its about the size of two regular crew quarters side by side and only on this deck."

Smithers replied, “Yes, the Commodore indicated how big the arboretum is. Since we have plants from two very different climates it will make it easier to have them fit in. This is where Jennifer comes in. She will need to figure out how and where our plants will fit in. Also, we don’t want to disturb anything already planted without prior authorization. Jennifer already mentioned as much to the Commodore. The Commodore even expressed interest in following Jennifers progress. So, Jennifer what do you think?”

Jennifer Answered, “Dad this place looks really nice. I think that the birds will like the pine trees that we brought from home. They will give them a nice area to hide in if needed and ideal for nesting. Thanks, Doctor, for showing us this beautiful place,”

"Your welcome," Kristian replied "It's peaceful here and this is a place where the crew can come to relax. I come here as well when I need a stress break from sick bay. Sometimes I do take Alesha's fighter out for flight."

Smithers was amazed about the doctor saying she has flown one the ships fighters. He responded, "Dr Long I find it amazing that a doctor would fly a fighter. I would like to talk more but Jennifer and I are tired and hungry from the long trip from Earth. We can certainly talk later."

Jennifer chimed in, "Doctor it was really nice meeting you and being the Chief Medical officer I'm sure we will see each other again. Hopefully not for a medical reason. As my Dad put it, we need a break from our trip out here and I need to start going through our cargo. My plants need tending to while we plan on where to put them."

Smithers and Jennifer waved goodbye as they headed for their quarters.

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