Lt. Cmdr Robin Hopper: Cultivation
Robin Hopper
((Botany Labs, Science & Research Center – Amity Outpost))
The meeting with Siben had gone off without a hitch, it seemed – and steady progress was being made behind the scenes that would continue to cultivate interest in the garden project long-term (both from the higher level offices of the FDC and from the gardeners working in the soil).
Hopper: Actually, it kind of feels like we’re in the final stretch… ::Picking up a PADD from a desk:: I think at this stage, we’re just about ready to start signing up our first round of amateur green thumbs – and I was wondering if… ::Stepping up to him, holding out the PADD in her hands:: …You might want to be our first conscript?
The PADD contained a simple sign-up form, which Robin had whipped up that morning while she drank a macchiato in the park, in anticipation of their visit.
Siben: Conscript is a little much ::smiling:: but in this case I shall gladly devote myself to the cause!
Hopper: ::Smiling:: You’re clearly enthusiastic about the initiative. I can’t think of anyone to serve as a better example.
Siben took the PADD and swirled his signature onto the form using his finger.
Siben: Why shouldn’t I be? The concept is not just a healthy one but one that can bring the community of Amity closer together.
But, she figured, there was no sense in stopping at just their poster boy. Considering how close they were to completing their work, it made sense to start bringing more people into the garden now – get their first batch of plots allocated. To that end, Robin had further plans to propose.
Hopper: Actually, I was also hoping that we might arrange a little ‘tour’ of the garden once we finish putting it together and get a few plants growing. Perhaps by next shore leave. I’m sure Rivi and Keehani – that is, Ambassador Vataix and Envoy Ukinix would be interested in seeing what we’ve been up to; and I’m sure the Counselor for Culture and Press Affairs, Mr. Kizat, could be helpful in spreading the word. What do you think?
Siben: ::nodding and rubbing his chin in thought:: I think so…maybe your own Commander Ukinix and some of the other crew could also take part. In order to spread the word through the rank and file.
Robin held her hands out, scrunched her mouth to the side, and offered a half-shrug.
Hopper: If you think you can convince him to sign up. ::Beat:: I’m sure there are many officers on board who won’t take much coaxing to give it a try. Who knows, maybe the problem will be too much demand, not enough plots. ::Chuckling:: Time will tell, I guess.
Siben: Well, that seems to be everything. I believe I am heading off to lunch. I have a box of spring rolls and a walk around the mezzanine waiting for me. Wait, why don’t I take the PADD with me see if I can get a few signatures while I walk around?
Hopper: That would be great! ::Thinking:: Actually, I might do the same. I was planning on eating in my office and getting some PADDwork done – but this counts as PADDwork, right?
Siben nodded his head, turning the PADD against his chest while he gave the lab and their plants another quick lookover. Robin thought he seemed pleased – a sentiment which matched her own. She grabbed another PADD off the desk and brought up a matching sign-up sheet. No doubt, if she made the rounds through the civilian and Starfleet levels of the SRC, they’d have a few dozen people interested in taking part.
Siben: I hope you enjoy the rest of your day and can get a lot of work done. Do not forget to reach out to me if you come up with anything else you might need for the project.
Hopper: And same here – but in reverse. We’ll merge our lists later tonight, maybe, see how close to capacity we are for the launch.
With a final nod and quick glance around the lab, Siben turned and headed back out into the station. Robin, meanwhile, decided to take one more look over the various plants that had been grown. Plucking a small ripe cherry tomato off one of the vines, she popped it into her mouth, happily – imagining the possibilities that were to come!
END
