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Posted on Tue Nov 1st, 2022 @ 11:07pm by Lieutenant Lily Marlow & Crewman Recruit Zeria

Mission: A New Beginning
1251 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure

Lily had heard of the hydroponics area of the ship, and that was one place she'd not been yet. She headed down there to see what it was like, being a person who loved to garden as well. She had heard of a mysterious woman who was in charge down there. But that was all that she knew. Her eyes went round in awe seeing the exquisite set up. She scolded herself about neglecting to come down here.

"Oh my this is absolutely fabulous!" her voice a little bit loud it echoing in the area.

"Thank you," Zeria said with a smile as she popped out from behind a bush. "Gardening is a passion and my only real area of expertise. Can you I help you with anything?" She set down the tools she was using, a small hoe and spade. There were more technical tools that could be used but Zeria preferred to use her own two hands.

Lily gave out a slight jump and a small squeal, having not have expected Zeria so near, then she gave a light laugh. "Gosh you startled me." grinning ear to ear. "Gardening is a passion of mine as well. I realized that I've not been down here yet, and wanted to see what this was like. Care to show me around? Oh and my name is Lily, what's yours?"

"Sorry, I forget that I can blend in sometimes. Sure, I'd love to give a tour. You're the first person who has really asked except my Dom. Is there anything in particular you want to see or all of it?" Zeria bounced on her feet slightly, a little bit uncharacteristic for her as she'd always considered herself to be a bit of a serious woman.

"I want to see it all!" Lily gesturing with both arms upwards and wide spread, "Being around plants is very soothing." she added. "Something I learned from my mother and Aunt. And well also growing up on a small farm." She was feeling like a kid in a candy store looking at the plants nearby.


"Oh?" Zeria asked, instantly curious. "Where was this farm? Earth? And yes, plants are very relaxing, I think it's the vibrations they give off. IT's almost as if they are talking to us, telling us what they like and what they don't. I think believing that is one of the reasons I've been successful at growing my own garden all those years. So . . . let's see. First off, right by the entrance is where I keep the herbs because I find people like to use those for cooking and don't want to have to dig through all my stuff to get to them. Then deeper in we have the vegetables and things I grow for those of us who like fresh things to eat. In the back are the more exotic plants, my pet projects that require special attention."

"Yes the farm is on Earth, and it is so lovely especially when things are in bloom." Lily giving a bit of a happy sigh. "And you talk to your plants too? That is wonderful, I talk with mine as well." at the mention of the exotic plants Lily's eyes lit up. "I would love to see it all and would love to see the exotic plants. Sometime I would like to show you the images of my family farm and the orchard that my aunt has. In fact I have some fruit from both areas they are i stasis so they won't rot. Just to savour the little pieces of home as long as I can. If you'd like I can give you some of them."

"I can't wait to see Earth. My Fiance says he will take me as soon as we can get leave, but we don't know when that will be. That's why I suggested we get married on the ship and have a big reception with his family when we get to Earth, so we don't have to wait. But we still haven't gotten to much wedding planning." Zeria pointed to an area of tropical flowers. "These are Terrelian Orchids, when they bloom they actually produce an aphrodisiac."

"Congratulations!" Lily almost squealed out in delight. "As for wedding plans, I've heard rumors that the Captain's wife is good at putting together a wedding, that is if you want a large party or even for that matter, a very very small intimate wedding with just a few witnesses." her words drifted off for the moment, as she became lost in thought. However what Zeria had commented on she looked at Zeria. "An Orchid that is an aphrodisiac? Is there an antidote?"

"I could use the help. I honestly never saw myself getting married and I want to make sure that Dom is pleased with the ceremony as well although he says he doesn’t care what we do.” Zeria paused to think about what Lily had asked before she babbled on about wedding plans. “I am not sure. I don’t think it’s dangerous though. Perhaps the doctor would be able to answer that question. “

"Well you are talking to one right now." Lily giving a light hearted laugh. "I am a doctor, and know quite a bit about plants. So, may have to hmmnn look into an antidote. Just in case you know." Lily's mind wanting to go into overdrive but, there was something else to talk about. "Enough about that though, if you need help I am willing to help as well. It would be great fun."

"I could always use a pair of hands when you have the time," Zeria smiled. "But i wouldn't worry about the orchid, I've never heard of it doing anything more than making a couple kiss who were already attracted to each other." What was the worst that could happen?

Lily wondered about that, tucking it into the back of her mind while the main part of her mind went to seeing more of the garden. "well show me where you keep your tools and lets get to work. I can hardly wait." giving a big smile.

"Right this way," And Zeria led her into a corner of the space that held a shed, some work benches, a desk and a simple but plush and comfortable chair. "Gone are the days of me toiling in fields, personally I sometimes miss that but then I see this technology and I forget how hard it was surviving on my own."

" I do miss working on my family's farm or in my aunt's orchard. I miss the scent of freshly tilled earth, the sound of the farm animals in the background." walking over to where the tools are kept. "Okay boss, where do you want me to start." Lily giving a wink and a grin towards Zeria. "This is your domain so... where shall we start."

Zeria smiled. She often liked people to teach themselves and Lily was in for an interesting time in this arboretum. There were no plants that would harm her, but a couple that would teach her a lesson. "Oh I think you should find a place that you think needs work and dig right in." She grinned and walked away into the bushes.

Lily watched as Zeria disappeared into the bushes, thinking to herself that Zeria reminded her of a faerie. Giving a slight shrug, Lily retrieved some tools and with a quiet whistle she began working, feeling very happy.