Roses Aren't Red

Posted on Sat Oct 1st, 2022 @ 8:42pm by Crewman Recruit Zeria

Mission: A New Beginning
Location: Hydroponics Bay
769 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

On:

Zeria leaned over the rose bush in front of her, her face nearly touching one of its long thorny branches. She frowned. These roses weren't red. In fact they were far more of a brown color, it looked as if they were withering and dying and she had no idea why. Of course on Marga III there were no such things as roses and so this had been a personal project she'd undertaken just to see if she could actually design her own species and grow them. Apparently not. She was so distracted she didn't hear the door open behind her.

Andrew walked into the Hydroponics Bay, intent on finding a way to get Megan some real roses. He didn't want replicated ones, he didn't want fake flowers. He wanted to find the real deal, nothing could bet that smell. He stepped into the bay suddenly aware that he wasn't alone. "My apologies Crewman, I didn't mean to interrupt you," Andrew stated as he approached the Officer.

Trying to hide the fact that she had indeed jumped, Zeria turned back to her bush and asked, "Do you know anything about roses?" Although she should be used to people calling her crewman by now, she really preferred her first name. It was after all the only thing she'd been called for most of her life.

"Only that my wife like them," Andrew replied, "and I need to bring them home periodically," he smirked, "happy wife, happy life... or something like that."

"Hmm," Zeria nodded, though she had never heard the saying. She rubbed the soft ridges on her forehead. "Well I Think it's time to ask for help about this. Maybe Dom would know. Anyway," She waived her hand as if shooing the thought. "Can I help you with something?"

"I am not entirely sure, to be honest," Andrew admitted, "my wife is currently serving in medical and pregnant with our first child. This trip and move has been rather stressful on her and I wanna get her something."

"Ah, I see. Something that won't eat her or the child I'm assuming," Zeria joked, thinking of the pusa plants from her home planet. "Well. How about this." She pulled out a small African Violet. "They're native to Earth and are safe for children and pets in case you lose count of the little one. Congratulations by the way."

"Thank you," Andrew smiled as he looked over the flower, "purple is her favorite color, and safe for children is also a good thing too. I suppose that will do just fine," he picked up the plant. "I could have used a replicator, but there is something to be said about the real thing and not some arranged particles from a computer." He laughed, "I guess that falls under it's the thought that counts."

"Absolutely," Zeria responded, trying not to think about using a replicator for a plant. It made her want to shudder. "And you're welcome." A thought occurred to her. "I'm recently engaged and well . . . I can't say I've made all that many friends since coming on board. Would you and your wife like to have dinner with me and my fiancee?"

"I would be honored," Andrew laughed, "but that would have to be arranged with my wife; she's the social activity planner. I am just the do what I am told, husband." He stopped as he looked around the bay at the various plants.

"Sure," Zeria said. "Well she can contact me or my fiancee." she watched him for a moment in silence. "Are you all right?" He seemed distracted somehow, but Zeria didn't know why. "Do you need help with anything else?"

"Nah, just thinking about things," Andrew replied realizing he was starting to daydream. "I appreciate your help I will have to keep the idea of the violet in mind. And definitely going to have to consider that dinner, like I said contact my wife, Megan. She works in sickbay and you guys can set something up."

"That would be fine," Zeria gave him a small smile and turned back to her work, assuming that he could show himself out. She wasn't much of a conversationalist after living so many years alone.

"It was a pleasure meeting you," Andrew stated, "and thanks for your help." He turned heading to the bridge, it was late for a meeting with the Captain.

Zeria nodded and smiled and watched as he walked out of her ‘office’. She smiled. She could get used to this life very easily and was glad that she was going to have the opportunity to.