Lt. Cmdr. Katsim Peri - "Better Things To Do"

[Amanda Nordstrom]

((Deep Space 14 Arboretum) 

The guide that accompanied them wasn’t exactly happy to escort them, though she was certain the guide would be even more annoyed if the Vulcan knew she had ascribed an emotion to her.  However, Peri still wanted to know what was meant by ‘dangerous’ and asked 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?

Guide: We study many forms of plant life in the arboretum. As the Trill mentioned, this is Starfleet, and some of those plants are not to be touched. That is why we only offer guided tours at this time. 

Nis: One of Nis’s former hosts was a biologist. What kind of no-touchy plants are we talking about here? 

Peri was quite interested to know too.  Obviously there was nothing in the vicinity where they were, or she was certain the guide would say something about Echo dancing through the limbs, but she wanted to make sure she kept the dragonet on her shoulder once they approached any plants that should be avoided.  

Toz: Venus Flytrap?

Guide: There is a plant here known as Warrior Chechem. It is known for its ability to spit great distances. 

Extending an arm, the woman rolled up a sleeve to show a patch of skin where she had been burned, black tar-like pus oozing from spots on a background of red.  Peri winced and without thinking, took half a step back. 

Nis: Why haven’t you had a medic look at that? 

Guide: ::Rolling her eyes :: It would be highly illogical to allow a wound like this to go unattended. This is after I consulted medical. 

Katsim: That’s…after?

Peri couldn’t believe it.  While she wasn’t a medical officer, she knew basic first aid, and surely Starfleet medical had tools to deal with something like that.  She had a feeling the Vulcan wasn’t being as forthcoming as she should be.  

Guide: Do you want to go on a tour or not? 

Behind her, a flower bloomed before their very eyes, the size of Peri’s head, if not slightly larger.  Almost immediately, a bee of some kind landed on it and at the same time, the flora’s magnificent scent tickled her nose.  It was lovely, a little fruity, but absolutely delightful.  Despite its beauty, however, Nis was evidently turned off by the idea of dangerous plants that could cause such horrible injuries.  

Nis: We could always just . . . uh . . . go get Greek food instead. 

Toz: Not sure I like Greek food but in this case, I agree. Or how about pizza?

Katsim: Um.  Well, it’s up to you. 

Truthfully, Peri was curious, but she didn’t want to go anywhere anyone would be uncomfortable.  

Guide: Whatever you do, please get control of that purple bird-creature. I study those insects it’s devouring, you know? 

Katsim: She’s not eating anything. 

Echo had been fed and only ate twice a day.  Occasionally she was given treats, especially around lunchtime, but she wasn’t hungry right then.  Turning her gaze to the dragonet, the creature sat upon a branch just above their heads, tilting her own from side to side.  

Guide/Nis Response

A frown coloured her expression and with a whistle, the creature knew she could not ignore her pet’s desire any longer.  Immediately, Echo settled back upon Peri’s shoulder.  She didn’t wish to argue, so turned to the two companions with her. 

Katsim: Did you wish to continue? 

Guide/Nis: Response

Toz: Then Greek it is. ::smiling:: I’m easy. Oh, yes, Dr. Nis, I completed the reports and included a few of yours. Just the ones you’d already given me.

Glancing over at the guide, Peri didn’t mind continuing or leaving.  While the arboretum was interesting, she wasn’t so sure that particular person was the best to show them around.  However, if the others wished to stay, then she would remain with them. 

Katsim: I am fine either way.  

Guide/Nis/Toz: Response

While Peri might have wanted to continue on, the attitude of the guide grated on her and she’d rather take a tour when there was a different person.  Someone who wasn’t so rude.  However, she would acquiesce to whatever her companions chose to do. 

Katsim: Please lead on. 

And hopefully the experience would be better than dealing with a grumpy Vulcan. 

Guide/Nis/Toz: Response

[Seemed like a good place to End for Peri. :)  ]

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