Something to Care For

Posted on 12 Jun 2021 @ 1:19am by Lieutenant Theodore Winslow & Holly Palin -Living Arrangements Florist

Mission: M2 - Sanctuary
Location: "Living Arrangements", Promenade, OC
Timeline: MD04 1800
1613 words - 3.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Theo had been meaning to do a lot of things recently from visiting Calliope again to see how she was doing properly to working out on the holodeck to something other than a punch bag but a lot of it was just on the way side. The human was trying to rediscover himself and work out that the restrictions that he placed on himself on Haumea were no longer relevant as he was no longer a pariah. It was like slowly trying to undo a knot but he knew eventually he would get there given time and a little bit of patience from himself. He had faith to believe after all.

He had passed the shop several times but was not sure what he was looking for if he was sure. He wanted something for his quarters that would help with his sleep or at least aid in that task. He had always heard that it was beneficial but had never attempted it himself but there was no time like the present to change that. He took a deep breath and stepped inside, stopping dead in the doorway.

“Um hello?” He called.

The shop entry was lined with old fashioned bins, barrels, and barrows full of the pre-made sale arrangements Holly had made up in advance. Everywhere there was hand painted chalk signage about the flowers and very vintage colors and ribbons that hearkened back to what some on earth might have once called “cottage core” with tongue in cheek.

The first room inside of the shop was a classic florist shop, with cooled cases of flowers to select from for custom bouquets and a cutting counter and register. A short, young Bolian woman came in from the back as the door sensor alerted her of a new customer and she tucked a working pad into her apron. She smiled with a fullness in her cheeks as she took in the sight of her latest potential customer. He was a tallish fellow, and Holly could tell right away from his neck and jaw and the shape he cut in his uniform that he worked out. Being a lieutenant, he was also likely a ranking officer either on the station or on one of the visiting ships.

“Hi, I’m Holly,” She introduced herself. “What can I help you with?”

“Hi. I’m Theo.” He said taking her lead in attempting to introduce himself properly to the people who worked in the promenade. It would only make his job easier in the future if he could at least name them and they at least recognised him. “I am looking for a plant for my quarters. My theory is if i get a plant my quarters will be less starch whilst I settle in.” He frowned that did not sound pitiful at all. “I also heard a rumour that some plants help sleep.”

“Oh! A house plant. Yes, let me show you the greenhouse.” She led him around one of the flower cases through an arched door on the right. A thin field divided the atmosphere. In here it was just a little warmer and slightly misty. She had a track of nature noises playing and there were basketted plants hanging in rows over benches full of more plants. In the back stood a row of shorter bushes in front of a row of various potted trees. “I suppose I should ask you if you want a plant that’s actually a sleep agent or if you just mean a traditional plant that helps with the general atmosphere,” Holly began as clarification.

Theo followed and stopped as he took in the set up. “I haven't seen anything like this in years. Reminds me… it… excuse the phrase old fashioned.” He mused hoping he was not going to anger or upset her. It was brilliant and the shift in atmosphere was welcome from the normal chill of the promenade.

Holly chuckled good-naturedly, “Well thank you! It’s what I’m going for. If you want the latest in modified plant tech you’ve got all your starfleet scientists for that. I just get some soil medium and cuttings and have at it. Have you ever cared for a houseplant?” She tried to gauge how easy he needed the care of his new plant to be.

“Not successfully.” He admitted sheepishly rubbing the back of his head hoping he would still be able to get something. Everything had gone to plant heaven after his first room mate had moved ships on his first assignment and it had gone down hill since then. He tried his best but the plants did not like his enthusiasm or water technique. Who knew plants could be that fussy?

Holly smiled right up to her eyes, obviously suppressing a laugh. “We’ll find you something forgiving with good drainage. I’m guessing you want to start small.” Holly moved to one particular bench of plants, sitting beside a long faux ‘window sill’ with grow lighting behind it that vaguely simulated frosted glass looking out at a prairie. They had perked up leaves of various shades of green, turquoise, or purple, depending what planet they were native to. Some broad leafed, others long and narrow, some in elongated planters with sprawl, others neatly inside of their tall growth pattern. “Probably any from this row are good starters.”

Theo glanced over to the bench and crouched to look at them carefully. “The turquoise one is nice.” He wondered if that was the right colour to describe it so quickly added a point in the direction. “Turquoise is the right colour to describe this right?” He paused, not sure if it was the right word for the plant or not.

“That’s a Lapok’s Ear. Sure, turquoise could describe it. Or blue green, or robin’s egg. If you’ve ever seen a robin’s egg. I hear these look different colors to Cardassians who can perceive a red center vein in the leaves that most of us can’t see.” While the outside of the plant had many open leaves, in the center it had a series of nested curled up leaves that grew into a smaller and tighter rosette as they hid inside of one another, like it was using the golden ratio to express it’s shyness. Holly picked it up and put the clay pot in his hands as if she were handing him a puppy to meet. Then she stood back with a thoughtful expression, her chin in her hand to decide what she thought of the pairing of this particular man and this particular houseplant.

“I cannot say I have seen a robin's egg nor see the red tones to it.” The security chief said absently taking the plant looking at it carefully. He was suddenly reminded of the cardassian cadet he had once had the honour of having in his department who always commented on the different colours she saw compared to everyone else. “Does not have a strong smell which is good.” He finally commented after looking it over and glancing at her looking thoughtful.

“I think you picked a good one. The care is simple. I’ll get you a watering bottle with measurements on it. If you have any trouble with it, you can always bring it back. I also do plant hospital and recovery.”

“Well isn’t this place the full package?” He mumbled to himself as she disappeared off to get a watering bottle. He looked at the plant again and wondered something. “Hey Ms…. Err Holly? Do you deliver flowers?” He called wondering for the future.

“Yes, we do delivery.'' It was still a one woman show, but she had already hired couriers to deliver bouquets a few times. She selected the right watering bottle and took out a marker to circle the measurements and time intervals before handing it to him and waiting to see if he had questions.

“Thank you.” It was an option for the future. He liked to send flowers if he ever got a date or messed up with colleagues and this place was so endearing already. “This is all perfect and a lot more than I thought on.” Theo admitted taking the watering bottle.

“You’re always welcome back if you have questions or just want to talk to the plants.” She leaned in over the counter as she rang up his order and mock whispered, “They’re very good at keeping secrets.”

“Well that’s good as I’m quite the talker.” He said with a small wink.

Holly handed Theo the bill for him to provide his bio imprint. “Are you going to name your new friend?”

“We need to get to know each other better first or he or she will get a poor name.” He mused passing the bill back quietly contemplating it himself. He was sure with some time he would find something better than Bob or Karen.

“That probably is the best approach. If you have any questions or need anything else, you know where to find me.” Holly watched the fellow as he tried to decide what was the least awkward way to carry a plant, out with both hands? Against his body with the crook of an arm? He settled on the one arm, football-clutch as he left and Holly smiled. That was a very protective posture and he struck her as a protective guy. In her estimation, she was fairly sure the plant would not only survive, but it was possible he'd be back to get it some companions once he'd confidently not killed it.