Posted by Lieutenant Commander Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in The Flora Symphony

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in The Flora Symphony

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in The Flora Symphony
Posted by… suppressed (26) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Sharah took a deep breath. She was nervous, really nervous the closer the day came for her date with the governor. No! Not a date, not a date, not a date. An…outing! Yes and outing. Sharah exhaled and exasperated groan at herself. The man was kind and compassionate. And intimidating. No no no. Well he was but he had never been anything but caring towards her, even or especially when he didn’t even know her. And then he’d rescued her from that…there wasn’t a word for that other bidder, just a sickly, frightening, feeling that made her stomach rebel and send icy dread race down her spine.

Of course no one else realized that and the gossip running rampant about the hospital about Sharah and the Governor was anywhere from tame to an epic romance. Of course by now people realized it was the governor’s personal shuttle that had dropped her off on the roof that day. They even speculated on Yavia and Charles’ reactions to a possible rival. Sharah wished, more than anything she didn’t have to listen to it all.

With a frustrated sigh she told herself to just get it over with. She typed and retype the letter over and over. Finally feeling the letter was sufficiently practical and didn’t make her sound to idiotic she sent it. She wasn’t sure if it would go to Hyrushi or Ms Fen so better it was practical.

Governor Hyrushi,

I know your schedule is quite busy and you have Security to contend with. Would you prefer to meet me at the Anfait Botanical Gardens or would you like for me to arrive with a car to pick you up?

Dr. Fayth

And why not? He had paid for a date…outing, and Sharah was sure very few people went out of their way to indulge him simply to be nice. Most probably had work and dealings in mind, not him as a person.

Fayth, SFCMO

The response came about ten minutes later.

Dr. Fayth,

I appreciate your consideration for my schedule and the necessary logistical complications that arise from such excursions. I am happy to meet you at the Botanical Gardens. I look forward to it.

Sincerely,

Gov. Kenzo B’Tren-Hyrushi

Kenzo spent the hour prior getting ready. He put on a light linen suit of dove gray with an off white collared shirt with no tie. A brown belt and shoes, with a pair of sunglasses, completed the outfit. He went down the lift and out the waiting car carrying a red lacquered-wood box under one arm.

Hyrushi, Gov.

Sharah had sent a simple acknowledgement and that she was looking forward to the afternoon. Then she had stood in front of her closet for ten minutes before she got exasperated with herself. She had chosen this outfit weeks ago before she ever knew who would win the bid. She liked it and it was appropriate to the venue. She kept thinking about, though, about his comment on the dress Yavia had sent her. “He was being polite. You didn’t look much better than a street urchin before you cleaned up. You can’t look worse than that.” Splotchy face, unbrushed wild curls, and a bulky old hoodie. No she certainly couldn’t look worse than that.

Sharah pulled the outfit out and got dressed. It was solid grey tappered slacks with buttons from ankle to knee with a long sleeved off the shoulder shirt. The shirt reached her hips and flared gently. It was a darker Grey and the cuffs and wide off the shoulder collar were a brushed mint green. It was subtle and classy, and comfortable. She finished the look with flat dark brown black saddles. She brushed her hair until the curls softened some and lost the wildness. Though Sharah knew they wouldn’t stay that way. She held the sides back with a laqured floral clip of miniturr orange tiger lilies.

Sharah arrived 20 minutes early, hoping to have time to adjust to the noise and waves of the crowd. Sharah made her way toward the entrance 5 minutes before hand and waited for the governor to arrive.

Fayth, SFCMO

The venue was unusually quiet, a testament to the security the Governor warranted on his trips into the public. As the slider arrived and stopped, Kenzo got out and began walking in, stopping to take a few holos with people as they saw him. Once inside he saw Dr. Fayth and walked towards her. “Good afternoon, Doctor. You look very nice today. Thank you for having me here.” he said with a small bow.

Hyrushi, Governor

It wasn’t hard to notice his arrival. Hyrushi was no more than a subtle presence, but the people around him gave away his arrival and location as their thoughts focused on him and a myriad of emotions swirled in response. Most Betazoids clasped hands in greeting, they were a very demonstrative and open people. Sharah was not like most Betazoids though, and reverted to a much older and formal greeting. Both palms stacked over her heart and then lowered outward toward him. An offering of openness and understanding. “Thank you for coming with me. I am glad you are here. You look,” she looked over him and smiled, “You look relaxed. It suits you.”

Kenzo gave her a slight smile and said “Thank you, Doctor. Shall we?” and he gestured forward.

Sharah turned and began to walk along a path. Music could be heard faintly in different directions. “I hope you enjoy it. These gardens are one of my favorite places on Oed. There are several quartets playing today throughout. We have been lucky to have Maestro Julpheta come and teach here. She almost lost her ability to play when she lost her hand. She came here to teach others who suffered from such severe injuries how to play and create music. Her students are playing for the gardens today.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Hyrushi nodded slightly. “Most fortunate. Her injury was a blow to the colony’s burgeoning music. But her drive and determination to return was… inspired. The first concert on her return was very poignant. It was a testament to the resiliency of our colony’s people.”

They walked past a quartet of musicians playing all stringed intruments, and Hyrushi set his hand lightly on Sharah’s arm. “A moment, if you don’t mind Doctor. This is one of my favorite pieces.” The music was slow, steady, but hopeful. As the piece reached it’s conclusion, Hyrushi clapped softly. “Very well done. Your mentor should be very proud of you… as you should be of yourselves.” They all smiled at the Kenzo, but it was obvious they didn’t recognize him.

Sharah willingly paused. She enjoyed classical music and the pride and love the musicians had for the pieces they were playing. She was pleases by how the piece seemed to match the feel of the garden in this location. She clapped softly and thanked them for the exquisite music. She took a glass from a passing server.

He set his hand lightly on Sharah’s elbow and ushered her forward. “So now, Doctor… why the Botanical Gardens for your charity d-… event. And yes I do know of your penchant for botany. I just wonderd if there was something else besides the plants that draws to this place.”

Hyrushi, Governor

It still surprised her how, even with a touch, the zero amount of input she recieved from him. “Yes and no. Plants have always been a solace for me so I love such places. However, such places are sought out for the reflection that they entice. No matter what feelings might draw one here or are invoked, the thought of purpose becomes shared. It lessens, even slightly, the noise and distraction. Music does the same. I can be more present, less distracted, in such a place. As long as I don’t listen to the plants.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Kenzo nodded and then said “Well… perhaps I can help with that. But that is a discussion for a more private setting.” matter-of-factly. “Care to show me you favorites parts of the garden?”

Hyrushi, Governor

Sharah didn’t speculate. His last offer to help had been so unexpected and…well a moment outside of regular time and life. If only she could live in such a place. A genuine smile crossed her face, “This way.” She led him down a path that turned gently between garden beds to the center of the garden. There was a pedestal and Sharah stepped up to it and pressed a button. There was a flash of light and they were surrounded by…nothing. Brown lifeless, moisture less, cracked rock, a sky the was too bright and stark, and temperature too harsh (though they could breathe). A small holographic dome. “This is what this spot looked like after, before the dome was erected, before the people came back,” she pressed the button again and the desolation disappeared, “before all this was here. Anfait is the oldest garden on Oed. Not built by the terraformers, botanists, or ecologist. Just by the people, determined to find a way.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Hyrushi looked around and nodded. “What Oed needs, Oed gets. Through hard work and dedication to the task… and to one another.” he said as his mind contrasted the previous to the current. “It is… truly remarkable. And I am somewhat upset with myself that I have not taken the opportunity to enjoy this place before now.” Obsidian eyes looked at her for a long moment before looking away. “I suppose the motivation had to be right.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Sharah met his gaze, but after she had the feeling she should blush, but she couldn’t figure out why. He was supporting and giving recognition to groups that needed it. She was sure he did that frequently. Sharah had the feeling Yavia would laugh at her and tell her she was being dense. She chose to ignore that feeling. “I am glad I chose this then.”

She began walking, down a different path. “I admit I would not have noticed this place had I not felt it and gone looking. It is a wonderful to see it and be a part of it, even if only as an observer.” The path curved and suddenly turned from stone to dirt, covered in patches of moss. Over head there was suddenly shade that was dark enough to make sunglasses a hindrance. Tall trees with large, for Oed, canopies arched and met over head. The branches intertwined creating a leafy roof. Vines grew up trunks and slithered across the ground. Shrubs and flowers grew in a riot of color. Some in shade, others highlighted in a beam of sunlight that managed to break through foliage. “None of these plants are from Betazed, but it reminds me a little of the Jalaran jungle.” Somewhere off to their left was the sound of a flute, a violin, an oboe, and a very soft deep felt but not heard drum.

Fayth, SFCMO

“I will take your word for it. I have actually never been to Betazed.” Hyrushi said. “The music fits the space, though. Deep… resonating… almost primal.” He stopped and smelled a deep purple blossom, and then said “This space seems quite different from the rest. Do you know why that would be, Doctor?”

Hyrushi, Governor

Sharah turned a slow circle, knowing eyes taking it in. Then she closed her eyes, and if Hyrushi was paying attention to such things, Sharah’s presence would almost seem, for a moment, to fade into the nature around her. “It’s…nature - life. The other beds have been carefully cultivated to allow the plants to thrive together. Here they have found their own way. They are not existing beside each other, but co-exsisting.” She walked over and cupped the purple blossom. “This is an indigo constrictor vine. It’s roots will usually strangle the roots of trees and then climb as you see here and choke off the limbs and leaves. And this tree is an Ebony Ash. The roots run deep and wide, and they use an incredible amount of water, usually making the soil too arid for other plants. I am amazed it has survived on Oed. Both are from very different planets and climates. Somehow they have not killed each other. I would hazard to guess that the base antioxidants the indigo gives off as a by product has been absorbed by the ebony allowing it to make more efficient use of the water it does get. The plants are wilder here, finding their own way to survive rather than being told how to grow.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Kenzo nodded in appreciation and then he shook his head and gave her a small smile. “Everything you say, every way you explain this place, it seems to be a visual example of Oed and the people. Things that shouldn’t exist together.. in place hostile to those things… all coming together to form a cohesive, symbiotic system that works for all involved.” He laughed, soft and dry. “I came to here hoping to not have to think about work, you know.” and he gave another small smile to her to show he was teasing.

Hyrushi, Governor

A hint of color touched her cheeks, and she smiled. “I think that is why I am drawn to this place. It is a living reminder of what is so beautiful about your home.” Sharah stopped and nodded through the trees. In a random shaft of light a single stargazer lily was growing in a 2 foot oblong clearing. “Even things that don’t belong can find a place.”

Fayth, SFCMO

“Everything can belong, if the other entities work together to allow and support it.” Hyrushi said thoughtfully. “Disruptive Cooperation, I think we should call it. The intentional disturbing the established order for the betterment of all involved.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Sharah laughed softly, “Oh, that is a lovely oxymoron. You should coin that term at your next press conference, and tell the Federation Council that Oed is going to teach them how to do it.” She flushed suddenly, “I apologize, no more work.” She began to walk again, “Where is your favorite place on the colony?” The music changed, the drums becoming louder and rolled and rumbled and there was a clashing sound along with chimes. Sharah saw and heard the motorized whir of poles extending. She took his hand suddenly and led him across the path and down a bit to a small shelter. They entered just as the ‘rain’ started to come out of the very tall sprinkler system. The water along with the music simulated a thunder shower.

Fayth, SFCMO

Kenzo allowed her to lead him to the small enclosure. As they stepped in and the water began to fall, he released her hand and said “I am not sure. If I was being wholly honest, I would probably say my garden but that sounds… selfish. Outside of that? The park by the Government Tower, perhaps. Or the bluffs above the ocean bed to the east of the city a few hours. It is very peaceful there.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Sharah released his hand immediately, and turned to watch the rain. “That doesn’t sound selfish. Our preferences, likes, and dislikes are very personal things.” She glanced over at him, “If you have a garden that is yours, you must have put effort and thought into it. Why shouldn’t it be your favorite?”

She held her cupped hands into the water letting the water fill the space. She turned, knelt, and poured the water at the base of a flower stem that had pushed its way out of the ground, in the middle of the shelter. “I think I would like to see the sea bed, or any of the formations really, before the terraforming. To see it before and after.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Kenzo looked at her and said “Well… would you like to do that now?”

Hyrushi, Governor

The rain stopped, but Sharah turned to look at him quizzically before leaving the small shelter. “Well now I feel bad, this was supposed to be about providing you an experience, not the other way around.” The path opened up almost immediately and quite suddenly and forked a little further on. “Do you suppose we would get in trouble with Nurse Shrine and her security agreement if we deviated from the outing?” She grinned, amused by the thought and the image of Yavia’s face if he dropped her off on the roof again.

Fayth, SFCMO

Hyrushi looked ahead but said ” Well… as prominent a figure as Nurse Shrine is, I am the Governor. Such a position should have some kind of perks. And if one of them isn’t being able to go where I want to at times, then I should really speak with that career counselor from the university. Come. I’ll have the shuttle pick us up.” He pulled out a micro-PaDD and tapped a few commands and then slid it back in his pocket.

Sharah snickered softly. She had suspected he had a sense of humor. She was surprised to get a glimpse of it. He always seemed so formal and proper.

As they walked outside, the familiar deep red craft from their previous excursion sat on the road with the street blocked off from both sides. Hyrushi opened the door for Sharah and the followed her in.

This time she didn’t hesitate to board the shuttle, but there was that familiar sense of nervous curiosity of what would happen next. She inhaled the welcome fragrance that scented the air. Light but familiar. She moved toward the extra seat, unable to stop the comparison between herself now and herself the last time she was on his shuttle. Cameras flashed about and the shuttle drew quite a bit of attention. Sharah tried to ignore the noise.

Settling into the pilot’s seat, he said “That is for you by the way, Doctor. ” and he gestured to a bright red box sitting in her seat next to him that appeared to be made of some kind of lacquered wood. Hyrushi tapped controls and soon they were airborne.

Hyrushi, Governor

Sharah had paused, not wanting to sit on his things. He said it so casually, but the words seemed to hang heavily in the air. Sharah carefully lifted the box, like perhaps it might break. She slipped into the seat and set the box carefully on her lap. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. She couldn’t tell, couldn’t sense his purpose behind it. Was it business or personal? “Thank you. You really didn’t need to bring anything.” Curious though that he had it in his shuttle, but arrived in a ground car.

Fayth, SFCMO

Hyrushi faced ahead, watching as they maneuvered through the busy Oed sky’s on their way out of the city. “Actually, I did. That is not any kind of romantic gesture, I assure you. I am well aware of your relationship status and I would never do anything to disrupt the harmony you have found. That-” and he tapped the box with a finger, “- is a tool for you to use. To ease the overwhelming input. I had it built for you. Tell me, have you heard of the name Solomon Kane?”

Hyrushi, Governor

Sharah was embarrassed, she hadn’t considered it romantic, just…perhaps not business, but personal. Or maybe he thought he had to because of the auction? They barely knew each other, but he had it built for her. She wasn’t sure what to say to that, so she simply nodded with another thank you. “Kane?” She nodded, “I am somewhat familiar with his work. He’s something of a prodigy. He has published quite a bit in the last two years, and everything has been quite successful as well. His fetal life support system has changed everything in obstetrics and delivery. His cold plasma suture is a game changer. It has made an exponential difference in surgical recovery.”

Fayth, SFCMO

“Prodigy is not the most common term used to describe him, but I suppose it is applicable.” Hyrushi said as he banked the ship up and away from the city. “I asked him to study some of the material from the geode. As part of that, I also asked him if he could assist you. This is his attempt to do so. Instructions are inside, as well as his contact information. He said if yiu have questions to contact him directly. I would advise a stiff drink beforehand. He is… terse… to say the least.”

Sharah had wondered if the geode would work outside of the cave, but she hadn’t wanted to disturb the crystals to find out. She hadn’t wanted to risk damaging the effect. “Ah so he was the expert you were seeking out. If his publishing are anything to go by, I would imagine he could tell you something about the crystals.” Sharah nodded, “I’ll keep that in mind if I need to contact him.” She carefully unlatched the box and lifted the lid.

Inside the box was a headband, like one would use to hold back hair from falling into one’s face. It was made of a silvery, smooth metal and had a delicate swirling pattern inside it… a type of forging from Earth know as ‘Damascus’. Small brass-like studs were set at either end, one on each. Inside the band were dozens and dozens of small contacts. When the box was opened, a small series of lights on the lower right corner lit up in a column, all red, then turning to green one by one. There was a small screen in the middle that came on. It displayed battery levels, time to full charge (it was fully charged), and had an icon for data reporting and automatic calibration. There was also an icon for directions for use.

The instructions were straight forward: “Wear it like a headband. When you get it on, press both gold studs and it will turn on. The stud on the left controls power, the stud on the right controls frequency. When you get it on and activated, use the right stud first. You should hear a weird kind of droning, almost in the background of everything. Turn the stud until you don’t hear that sound. Then, turn the left stud until you dont pick up the input.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Sharah tapped through the icons, read the information, the instructions, and examined the band carefully. It appeared very delicate, the weight was surprising, both heavier than it appeared and lighter than all the metal and nodes might indicate. Sharah very carefully set it back in the box. It seemed to be everything she had spent years searching for, and now it was just sitting there in her lap. She couldn’t seem to make the decision to put it on and try it. Her hand shook slightly and her mind went a little blank. She was overwhelmed by the enormity and possibility. She wasn’t sure she believed that piece of…jewelry would help her, and also not wanting to try it and find it failed.

Fayth, SFCMO

“You will never know until you try, Sharah.” Kenzo said softly. “And even if it doesn’t work… is not the simple chance it might be worth the simple act of trying it?” He banked the craft towards the sunset and began to slowly descend towards a towering line of massive cliffs that seemed to be thousands of feet high.

Hyrushi, Governor

His use of her name tugged at her attention. She turned her head to look at him. She smiled, but it was hesitant. “I know…and it is worth it. I just…the possibility is overwhelming.” She stared out the window. Her breath moved out on a soft exclamation. The sunset colors on the cliff edges were magnificent, and the cliffs seemed to go on forever. “It’s beautiful despite the starkness.”

She breathed in slowly and counted as she let it out. She lifted the band out of the box and set it against her head, adjusting it back just to the edge of the hairline. She silently rolled her eyes at herself as her hands shook a little. She pressed both the gold studs but didn’t hear the droning at first. It took a couple of minutes before she could distinguish the physical droning from the telepathic buzz she always heard.

Once she recognized that, she reached for the right hand stud and began to turn it. Different pitches seemed to fade or get louder, but the droning never went away. The instructions didn’t say what to do about that. Her head itched though. Annoyingly so. She pushed both the studs again, turning it off. She lifted it off and set it back in the box.

Fayth, SFCMO

Kenzo sighed slightly. “I expect you actually try it when we land. If it doesn’t help, we will bury it in the cliff face.”

The ship banked and then landed about a hundred meters from the edge of the cliff, actually the continental shelf of the old ocean. The sun was low on the horizon, and as far as they could see was the former ocean floor many thousands of feet below. It was a… humbling view.

Hyrushi, Governor