Lt. Cmdr. Katsim Peri - "Define Dangerous"

[Amanda Nordstrom]

((Arboretum, Deep Space 14))

She had accompanied Nis to the Arboretum, for though Peri wasn’t a botanist herself, she loved nature.  In addition, Echo received the benefit of going somewhere she could play about and stretch her wings, and it was simply a change of scenery.  Lastly, Peri had promised Rox that she wouldn’t hide all day in her quarters.  A quiet and introverted individual, this was the most difficult for her, but a promise was a promise and Nis seemed rather nice.  

As the two approached the Arboretum, they were greeted by a guide.  Around them, the entire place transformed into a botanical wonderland, with trees towering above them, underbush of all kinds scattered in such a way that natural paths wound through, allowing for an easy trek.  Whoever had designed the arboretum took great pains to make it feel completely natural, for insects and birds could be heard among the plant life.  However, the guide warned them that travelling through could be dangerous.  

Katsim: What would happen if someone accidentally walked in here unattended? 

If the place was so dangerous, the designers and curators had to think of possible scenarios like that, right?

Toz: Is this place really dangerous?

The familiar voice caught Peri’s attention and she turned to see the doctor arriving.  Offering a small smile in greeting along with a nod, Peri was glad to see the Klingon woman.

Katsim: Hello Doctor Toz. 

Guide/Nis: Response

Toz: Hi! Just got here. You know I love trees. 

Most people did.  Without trees, life on most M-class planets couldn’t exist, and they were necessary to a properly balanced ecosystem.  Peri was certain there were probably exceptions, but those were surely in the minority.  

Katsim: Oh…well.  This is a good place to find trees. 

Inwardly, she cringed at her response, finding it not particularly helpful or interesting. 

Nis: response

Toz: I thought I should get away from the office for a while. What are you two up to? And do you mind if I join you? 

Katsim: We just arrived a moment ago and were hoping to explore. 

However, if exploration was dangerous, they would require the guide who hovered nearby.  Fortunately, though Echo didn’t come down from the trees, she didn’t stray far, but darted through branches right above them. 

Nis/Toz: response

Katsim: Oh, yes, it is lovely.  Bursts of colour peeked out among emerald and deeper shades of green, and the light combined with the sounds of nature gave a peaceful atmosphere.  

Nis/Toz: response

However, Peri still wanted to know what the guide meant and turned for clarification.  It was especially important that she have a clear understanding for her dragonet who played gleefully in the limbs that hung above them. 

Katsim: I’m sorry, back to what you said before.  What do you mean, dangerous?

Nis/Toz: response

-- 
Lt. Cmdr. Katsim Peri
Chief Science Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler
M239008AD0