The Best Lab Onboard

Posted on 07 May 2019 @ 3:14pm by Ensign Callin Mastrel & Petty Officer 1st Class Heinu Reteif
Edited on on 11 May 2019 @ 3:47pm

1,412 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 17 - Crystal of Life
Location: USS Galileo-A - Botany Lab
Timeline: MD -03, 1325 hrs

[ON]

Heinu was in his lab, surrounded by verdant greenery. Some of the plant live were vines, some were stalks, and some plants were merely sprouts emerging from the rich soil Heinu cultivated in this small laboratory. Behind a sealed case were other plants, far more alien-looking. Those were plants that grew on worlds not amenable to most humanoid life. Even so, Heinu cared for them with dedication.

Heinu's lab door was rarely locked, though it was almost always closed. After all, managing the correct temperatures and humidity was important in fostering plant growth. Heinu carefully trimmed one of his plants, shearing off dying leaves that had overtaxed the plant's systems.

A quick open and close of the doors to allow someone in shouldn't hurt the controlled environment too much. Or so Callin would have thought if he had been aware of such a thing, but as soon as he was through the door and into yet another lab to explore, all he could think of for a moment was home. The temperature, the wetness in the air, the smell of growing things and rich soils.

"This might be the best one yet," he said aloud, and moved away from the doors to allow them to shut behind him. Curiosity lit his face as he made his way in, one hand lifted and outstretched to almost but not quite touch one of the flowering plants he passed.

"I think so," Heinu said as he emerged from the tangle of greenery. "Ah, Ensign Callin. I'm surprised after all this time you haven't come to visit earlier." The lanky botanist moved to a small garbage pail and dropped the dying leaves in.

Callin turned to grin and wave at the tall, dark figure that had just revealed himself from within the verdant growth, "Hello. Honestly, I've been so busy meeting everyone and exploring all the labs. I would never have suspected there would be so much to see on a ship so small!" He walked over to Heinu and gestured to encompass the lab, "If you're not too busy, would you mind showing me around? I grew up on a farm so you can imagine I'm very interested in what experiments you might have going on here."

"This is only growing plants," Heinu said, "the real experiments happen over there." He gestured to the small set of induction burners on the only open counter space in the lab. "But these plants are some of my best friends. This," he gently shifted some vines hanging from a planter near the ceiling, "is the Akkadian dancing vine." Heinu moved through the lab, naming each plant. Normally he used the common name, though each was also labelled with the scientific name on a small placard. He got to the end of one wall after several minutes.

"Want me to keep going?" Heinu asked.

Callin, who had remained quiet with rapt attention during the tour, and had reached out to touch a few of the safer plants on display, nodded and replied, "Do you have a favorite? I saw on Deep Space Two this incredible pseudo-algae they were developing as an organic atmospheric scrubber. Oh, or the Tellarite wheat strain they'd spliced on the Washington, I think it was with a Bolian grass, that had increased their hydroponic yields three-fold!"

Heinu appreciated enthusiasm, especially when it was focused on the subjects he enjoyed as well. "Algaes can make excellent scrubbers and can often assist with heating a ship too. I've even heard rumors that the Cardassians once worked with a bio-luminescent algae that was self sustaining for nearly a decade. I'd love to get my hands on a sample of whatever that was." He sighed regretfully, but brightened when he thought of the second part of Callin's excited questions.

"I have a sample of the Volk-Hust strain here somewhere. It increased yield by three times, but it's also incredibly invasive. It'll kill anything it's planted next to. That's one of the problems that they haven't managed to overcome yet. I think I've got an idea, but I'd need some materials I just don't have access to."

"What are you looking for?" Callin asked, intrigued by the possibility. "I wouldn't say I have a lot of connections, but I've gotten to know people here and there all over the Federation the last few months. Maybe I can ask around." As great as bio-luminescent algae would be to play around with having an actual problem to solve was always the most fun. That maybe Heinu was on to something that could help feed hungry people in a ecologically safe way gave it that flare of Starfleet excitement too.

Heinu thought for a moment. "I can replicate almost anything I need, but we're missing patterns for a couple of plant species. Specifically we need Honublium Carathanis and Losvellia Noctarial. They're both incredibly rare species, but I think they might have some genetic markers that could start solving the problem. Of course, there's always the issue that we're currently at the ass-end of the Federation."

An answering chuckle came from Callin but he repeated the plant names to recall later, "Got it. I'll definitely ask around, but yeah, out here it really makes me realize just how far we are from everyone. Even with warp drive the galaxy is a big place." With another glance around at the fascinating plants, and knowing he was probably going to be popping in and out of here frequently during his time on board, Callin added, "Actually, if we wind up going anywhere near Betazed and you need to get some specialized materials for your work here I'm sure we can arrange a good deal with my parents. They run a decent sized farm and hydroponic system still so at least they'd know who to talk to if they don't have what you need. And you'd probably get a few pots of my dad's muktoks for free in the bargain, if you like singing plants that is."

"Muktoks," Heinu said bobbing his head a little from side to side, considering the offer. "I've never worked with Muktoks before, but they'd be an interesting case study. The 'singing'," Heinu made air-quotes with the word, "is a mechanism for attracting birds to spread pollen, right?"

"Exactly!" Callin warmed to the subject of home quite quickly. "Their flowers chime in a breeze, and it can be quite relaxing for some. Pretty hardy too for all of that, they can live as long as some trees even. They grow all over the canyon walls and in clearings in the jungle, anywhere you can find a lot of sun really."

Heinu thought for a moment. "I've never cultivated a Muktok, so I'd welcome the challenge. It might present some interesting opportunities." He absently pulled a dying leaf from a plant and checked for some of the tell-tale signs of disease. It seemed okay.

"We'll have to get you one for sure then, next time we're in range." Callin took another long look around, and a deep breath to take in all the freshness of the blooming life, "Thank you for showing me around. If you ever have a project you need some extra hands for please let me know. I'd be excited for the opportunity." As wonderful as the botany lab was there was still plenty of ship left to explore, and Heinu had his own responsibilities to get to of course.

"Thank you," Heinu said and walked his guest the half dozen steps to the door. "It was very nice showing you my lab, sir. I hope you'll visit again soon."

"Definitely." Callin grinned and offered a brief wave, then head out the door to continue his exploration. Part of his amusement was being called 'sir' by a man both his senior, and who had struck Callin as someone who was rather humble with just how much he knew in his field. Heinu Reteif was going to be a great crewmate to be on good terms with indeed!

Once the door closed behind Callin, Heinu contemplated where he'd place a muktok. It was an interesting idea. He went through the daily routine of checking each plant for disease, watering, trimming, and otherwise caring for his often green, and usually leafy charges.

[OFF]

--

PO1 Heinu Reteif
Botanist
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Ghox]

Ensign Callin Mastrel
Science Officer
USS Galileo-A

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