Posted by Ensign Thollin bav Crirv (Engineer) in Side Sim: USS Hermes - En route to Starbase 157
“It’s taken years to graft all of the varieties together to make apples with the right balance. I can share the replicator pattern with you,” Ida said as Thollin finished munching the apple’s core. He smacked his lips in satisfaction.
“Replicators aren’t as good at duplicating the flavours and textures,” he replied.
“T’Val would say that’s illogical, but I know exactly what you mean. Replicated food just doesn’t taste as good as something organic. And I have to admit, it’s even better when it’s grown yourself.” The door to the arboretum opened. A computer chirped merrily, and Thollin drew a deep breath filled with the scent of moist earth and green, growing things. To either side of the door the trunks of trees reached up, spreading their canopies of leaves above them. The door whispered shut as he stepped fully into the room. He stopped and looked around in appreciation. This wasn’t the small room with potted plants he’d been expecting, but rather was a carefully designed and fully landscaped area. A series of steps led down into what could only be described as a park, with a wooden footbridge crossing a small bubbling stream.
“Nice simulation,” he said as he followed her down the steps toward the bridge.
“Actually, very little of this is simulated,” she replied as they stepped out from under the canopy and into sunlight. “The daylight is of course, and the sky. But everything else is as real as you and I.” Thollin’s eyes had grown wide in astonishment. As they crossed the bridge a glint of silver drew his eye to the water.
“And the fish,” he added.
“No,” she answered. “They’re real. And we have dozens of birds that live here too.” Thollin stopped and marvelled at the colourful variety of fish swimming about in the pool. He listened and realized what he had thought was the chirping of a computer was actually birdsong, from several different species that he was unfamiliar with. Across the bridge the path split in two, creating a loop around the arboretum. A well manicured lawn stretched out to their left, with a few trees growing along a pathway of white stones. A dense stand of trees grew to their right, and the other side of the path disappeared into them.

–Thollin, Eng.

They turned to the left and began to follow the path. As they walked, Thollin grew more and more impressed with what he was seeing. The diversity of species was very impressive, and a number of colourful birds called the sheltered groves home.
“This,” he said as he opened his arms in a wide sweeping gesture, “Is amazing! I have never seen an arboretum like this, even on a Starbase!” His voice boomed as his natural exuberance got the better of him.
“This is a healing garden,” came a stern voice from behind them. “Some of us come here to relax.” Thollin hadn’t heard the ship’s first officer approach, and her sudden appearance behind him made the bristles on his back rise. He grunted in annoyance.
“Typical of a Vulcan to sneak up on someone!” He said gruffly.
“Hello T’Val. You remember Ensign Thollin?” Ida said quickly.
“Of course, Smith.” T’Val said flatly. “I was not attempting to sneak up on you, Ensign,” she said. Thollin snorted and Ida saw the tension leave his shoulders. “Commander Farrel indicated that you were of some assistance to his department,” T’Val continued. “He also said that you appear to be a competent engineer.” Thollin’s chest puffed up with pride at the compliment. He smiled and slapped his hand against it,
“I specialize in life support systems. Yours needed recalibration,” he told the Vulcan.
“Thollin was able to increase the efficiency of our atmospheric recyclers by more than ten percent,” Ida added.
“Yes Chief, I read the report,” T’Val said.
“One of many, I am sure,” Thollin replied. He leaned slightly closer toward T’Val, fixing her with a piercing gaze.
“Indeed,” T’Val said. She locked eyes with Thollin and seemed to match the intensity of his stare. A silent pause followed. Ida glanced between the two of them as the silence grew. They looked like they were trying to melt each other with their eyes. She shifted her weight on her feet uncomfortably.
“I’m going to show him our apple trees,” she said awkwardly. T’Val broke the stare and turned toward Ida.
“Very well. I shall sit in the grove so as not to disturb you. Ensign,” she said with a nod toward Thollin. “Chief,” she said with a nod toward Ida. She then turned on her heel and walked back up the pathway, following the branch to the right. Ida let out a sigh.
“I don’t know why it seems that you two… Dislike each other so much.”
“She only startled me. If I disliked her I would have told her,” Thollin said matter-of-factly. He turned toward Ida. “You were going to show me your apple trees,” he reminded her.
“Yes. This way,” she said as she motioned further down the path. Thollin fell in beside her.

–Thollin, Eng.